Polyamide compositions and articles made therefrom

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to compositions and compounded compositions including polyamide and a maleated polyolefin, articles formed from the same such as extruded or molded articles, and methods of making the compositions and articles. A composition includes a condensation polyamide that is at least 30 wt % of the composition and that is the predominant polyamide in the composition. The composition also includes from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of a maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin having a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of ≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based on total weight of the maleated polyolefin.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of international ApplicationNo. PCT/IB2020/059765 filed Oct. 16, 2020, which claims the benefit ofpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/925,524filed Oct. 24, 2019, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.63/013,884 filed Apr. 22, 2020, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 63/071,715 filed Aug. 28, 2020, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 63/071,728 filed Aug. 28, 2020, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure provides polyamide compositions, methods formaking the compositions and polyamide parts extruded or molded from thecompositions, and reinforced conduits including an extruded conduit thatincludes the composition.

BACKGROUND

Prior attempts at making pipeline articles from thermoplasticcondensation polyamide resins, for example, poly-hexamethyleneadipamide(Nylon-6,6 or N66 or PA66) have shown limited success. Additionalthermoplastic resin materials used in production of pipes includepolyamide 11 (e.g. coiled N11 high pressure gas pipes at diameters up to2 inches have been disclosed by Arkema); polyamide 12 (e.g. EvonikDegussa VESTAMID® NRG Polyamide 12 pipe, UBESTA polyamide 12 for burialand rehabilitation of existing cast iron and steel gas mains); polyamide612 (e.g. DuPont PIPELON® polyamide 612 pipe) and polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF).

Thermoplastic condensation polyamide resins that are molded or extrudedsuffer from insufficient properties for various end uses such asautomotive, electronics, chemical processing, and heat transferapplications. Various thermoplastic condensation polyamide resins thatare molded or extruded have lower tensile strength, lower chemicalresistance, lower stress cracking resistance, or higher melt viscosities(e.g., making extrusion difficult or impossible), than available HDPE,N11, N12, N612 and PVDF materials, especially in pipeline construction.

International Application Publication No. WO2012/024268A1 relates to athermoplastic pelletizable polymer composition including: (a) apolyamide; and (b) a polymer polymerized from maleic anhydride and anolefin; wherein the polyamide and the polymer are compounded.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,353,262 discloses compositions including polyamides withsuch olefin-maleic anhydride polymers (OMAP).

International Application Publication No. WO2014/100000A2 relates topolyamide compositions including 60 to 99.9% by weight of a polyamideand 0.5 to 40% by weight of an impact modifier containing maleicanhydride or a functional equivalent thereof. In these compositions, themoisture level is less than the equilibrium moisture content of thepolyamide.

International Application Publication No. WO2016/168306A2 relates tohydrophobic thermoplastic nylon compositions and to pipes and hollowconduits and to methods for making the same.

European Patent Application Publication No. EP2562219A1 relates tothermoplastic molded substances with increased hydrolysis resistance.

International Application Publication No. WO2012098063A1 relates tohydrolysis-stable polyamides.

International Application Publication No. WO2010014791 A1 relates toheat resistant thermoplastic articles including polyhydroxy polymers.

German Patent Application Publication No. DE102008008098A1 relates topolyamide-elastomer-mixtures having improved resistance to hydrolysis.The polyamide-elastomer blends can be processed to molded articlesuseful in the automotive sector.

International Application Publication No. WO2009098305A1 relates topolyamide-elastomer mixtures having improved hydrolysis resistance. Thepolyamide-elastomer mixtures can be processed into molded parts used inthe automotive field.

International Application Serial No. PCT/US19/42101, filed 17 Jul. 2019relates fiber including nylon-6,6 and maleated polyolefin exhibitingenhanced stain resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a composition including a condensationpolyamide. The condensation polyamide is at least 30 wt % of thecomposition. The condensation polyamide is the predominant polyamide inthe composition. The condensation polyamide can be one or morepolyamides. The composition includes from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of amaleated polyolefin (e.g., ≥15 wt % to ≤50 wt %). The maleatedpolyolefin includes maleic anhydride grafted onto a polyolefin backbone.The maleated polyolefin has a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based on total weight of the maleated polyolefin. Thecondensation polyamide can be any one or more suitable condensationpolyamides. The maleated polyolefin, or domains thereof, is/areuniformly distributed in the condensation polyamide or in thecomposition; the condensation polyamide can have an AEG of ≥65milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and ≤130 meq/kg (e.g., ≥70 meq/kg and≤125 meq/kg); the condensation polyamide can have an RV of at least 35(e.g., at least 40, or at least 45, as determined according to ASTMD789); the condensation polyamide can include nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI,nylon 66, or a combination thereof; or a combination thereof.

The present invention provides a composition including a condensationpolyamide having an AEG of 265 milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and ≤130meq/kg (e.g., ≤70 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg). The condensation polyamide isat least 30 wt % of the composition. The condensation polyamide is thepredominant polyamide in the composition. The composition also includesfrom ≤10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of a maleated polyolefin (e.g., ≥15 wt % to≤50 wt %). The maleated polyolefin includes maleic anhydride graftedonto a polyolefin backbone, the maleated polyolefin having a graftedmaleic anhydride incorporation of ≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based on totalweight of the maleated polyolefin.

The present invention provides a composition including a condensationpolyamide. The condensation polyamide is at least 30 wt % of thecomposition. The condensation polyamide is the predominant polyamide inthe composition. The condensation polyamide can be one or morepolyamides. The composition includes from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of amaleated polyolefin (e.g., ≥15 wt % to ≤50 wt %). The maleatedpolyolefin includes maleic anhydride grafted onto a polyolefin backbone.The maleated polyolefin has a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based on total weight of the maleated polyolefin. Thecondensation polyamide can be any one or more suitable condensationpolyamides. The maleated polyolefin, or domains thereof, or a reactionproduct of the maleated polyolefin, is/are uniformly distributed in thecondensation polyamide or in the composition.

The present invention provides a reacted composition that is a reactionproduct of the composition including the condensation polyamide and themaleated polyolefin. The reacted composition can include a reactionproduct of the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, suchas a polyamide-polyolefin copolymer formed from at least partialreaction of the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin.

The present invention provides a compounded polyamide composition. Thecompounded polyamide composition includes the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin and/or a reactionproduct of the composition. The compounded polyamide composition alsoincludes one or more other components.

In various aspects, the compounded polyamide composition includes thecomposition including the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, or the reaction product thereof, wherein the maleatedpolyolefin is ≥10 to ≤50 wt % of the compounded polyamide composition.The compounded polyamide composition includes an additional polyamidethat is ≥15 to ≤85 wt % of the compounded polyamide composition (e.g.,≥20 to ≤85 wt %), such as nylon 66, nylon 612, nylon 610, nylon 12,nylon 6, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/D6, nylon 66/DT, nylon66/610, nylon 66/612, a polyamide copolymer, or a combination thereof.The compounded polyamide composition also includes a chain extender thatis ≥0.05 to ≤5 wt % of the compounded polyamide composition.

In various aspects, the compounded polyamide composition includes thecomposition including the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, or the reaction product thereof (e.g., the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin are optionally partially reactedto form a polyamide-polyolefin), wherein the condensation polyamide is50-80 wt % of the compounded polyamide composition, and wherein themaleated polyolefin is 10-50 wt % of the compounded polyamidecomposition. The compounded polyamide composition also includes 0 to 20wt % polyamide 612; 0 to 20 wt % modified polyphenylene ether; 0 to 30wt % flame retardant; 0 to 10 wt % combined chain extender, heatstabilizer and colorant additives; and 0 to 40 wt % combined fillerand/or conductive fiber additives.

The present invention provides an article that includes the compositionincluding the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or thereaction product thereof, or the compounded polyamide compositionincluding one or both of the same, or a combination thereof.

In various aspects, the article can be characterized by superiorresistance, when compared against a control, to at least one selectedfrom: cold-temperature cracking, urea exposure, fuel exposure, oilexposure, high-temperature exposure, hydrolysis, glycolysis, and saltexposure.

In various aspects, the article is an extrudate, such as a conduit. Invarious aspects, the extrudate can be substantially free of glass fibersand/or can be resistant to glycolysis.

In various aspects, the article is a molded article. In various aspects,the molded article can include glass fibers and/or can be resistant tocold-temperature cracking.

The present invention provides a reinforced conduit. The reinforcedconduit includes an extruded conduit that includes the compositionincluding the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or thereaction product thereof, or the compounded polyamide compositionincluding one or both of the same, or a combination thereof. Thereinforced conduit also includes a metal reinforcement.

The present invention provides a method of making the compositionincluding the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or thereaction product thereof, or the compounded polyamide compositionincluding one or both of the same. The method can include combining thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin to form thecomposition, the reacted composition, the compounded composition, or acombination thereof.

The present invention provides a method of making the compoundedcomposition, including combining the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or the reactionproduct thereof, with one or more one or more other components to formthe compounded polyamide composition.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes combining the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin before adding a chain extender thereto.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes providing to a first compounder extruder zone a feed includingthe condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin. The methodincludes maintaining the first compounder extruder zone conditionssufficient to obtain a first compounded polyamide melt inside the firstcompounder extruder zone. The method includes introducing a chainextender to the first compounded polyamide melt in a second compounderextruder zone. The method includes maintaining the second compounderextruder zone conditions sufficient to obtain a second compoundedpolyamide melt inside the second compounder extruder zone, wherein thesecond compounded polyamide melt is the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction productthereof, or the compounded composition.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes providing to a first compounder extruder zone a feed includingthe condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin. The methodincludes maintaining the first compounder extruder zone conditionssufficient to obtain a first compounded polyamide melt inside the firstcompounder extruder zone. The method includes introducing a chainextender to the first compounded polyamide melt in a second compounderextruder zone. The method includes maintaining the second compounderextruder zone conditions sufficient to obtain a second compoundedpolyamide melt inside the second compounder extruder zone, wherein thesecond compounded polyamide melt is the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction productthereof, or the compounded composition. A barrel of a screw extruderincludes the first compounder extruder zone and the second compounderextruder zone. The providing of the feed to the first compounderextrusion zone includes providing the feed to a feed inlet of thebarrel, the barrel having a length. The chain extender is introduced tothe second compounder extruder zone at least ¼ of the length of thebarrel from the feed inlet of the barrel.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes providing to a first compounder extruder zone a feed includingthe condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin. The methodincludes maintaining the first compounder extruder zone conditionssufficient to obtain a first compounded polyamide melt inside the firstcompounder extruder zone. The method includes introducing a chainextender to the first compounded polyamide melt in a second compounderextruder zone. The method includes maintaining the second compounderextruder zone conditions sufficient to obtain a second compoundedpolyamide melt inside the second compounder extruder zone, wherein thesecond compounded polyamide melt is the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction productthereof, or the compounded composition. The introducing of the chainextender to the first compounded polyamide melt in the second compounderextruder zone includes introducing the chain extender to the firstcompounded polyamide melt after at least 50 wt % of the maleatedpolyolefin fed has incorporated into the condensation polyamide.

The present invention provides a method of extruding a polyamide resin.The method includes providing a polyamide resin including thecomposition that includes the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, the reaction product thereof, the compounded polyamidecomposition, or a combination thereof, to a feed zone of an extruder.The method includes maintaining extruder barrel conditions sufficientlyto obtain the polyamide resin melt inside the extruder. The methodincludes producing extrudate from the extruder while optionallyrecovering vapor from the extruder via a vacuum draw.

The present invention provides a method of molding a polyamide resin.The method includes providing a polyamide resin including thecomposition that includes the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, the reaction product thereof, the compounded polyamidecomposition, or a combination thereof, to a mold. The method includesproducing a molded polyamide resin from the mold.

Through extensive investigation of condensation polyamides, it has beenfound that unusual properties arise from combinations of certaincondensation polyamides (having relatively high amine end group (AEG)numbers (as measured by titration of polymer solution in solvent such asmethanol/phenol) together with certain maleated polyolefins, includingthose polyolefins having a relatively high degree of maleation. Invarious aspects, the present invention provides a polyamide compositionand method of making the same that can produce high quality extrudedconduit, such as having superior properties to extruded conduit madefrom other polyamide compositions, such as increased resistance toglycolysis and high tensile strength. In various aspects, the presentinvention provides a polyamide composition that can be molded orextruded to produce an article having suitable properties for variousend uses such as automotive, electronics, chemical processing, and heattransfer applications, such as having superior properties as compared tomolded or extruded articles formed from other polyamide compositions,such as having higher tensile strength, higher chemical resistance,higher stress cracking resistance, or lower melt viscosities. In someaspects, the properties are equal or better than extruded or moldedarticles formed from HDPE, N11, N12, N612 and PVDF materials.

Various embodiments of the reinforced conduit of the present inventioncan have certain advantages over other conduits and reinforced conduits.For example, in various embodiments, the reinforced conduit of thepresent invention can have any property or advantage described hereinfor the extruded conduit including a polyamide resin including thecomposition that includes the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, the reaction product thereof, the compounded polyamidecomposition, or a combination thereof, and can further includeadditional properties and/or advantages due to the metal reinforcementsuch as described herein below.

Polyamides such as nylon-6,6 normally contain an equilibrium amount ofwater. Water can promote the corrosion of certain metals such as certaintypes of steel (e.g., plain steel). Localized corrosion of a metal pipecan compromise strength and structural integrity of the pipe, and cancause delamination of an adjacent polyamide layer. Therefore, reinforcedconduits including polyamides and corrodible metal reinforcements cansuffer from degradation and failure. However, in various embodiments ofthe present invention, the reinforced conduit includes a metalreinforcement that includes a type of metal that is resistant tocorrosion from water (e.g., aluminum, or a corrosion-resistant steel)and/or includes a metal reinforcement that has a protective coatingthereon that reduces or eliminates corrosion of the metal reinforcement.

Thermal expansion coefficients differ between certain metals and certainpolyamides, such that temperature cycles can trigger delaminationbetween the metal and the polyamide. For example, carbon steel have acoefficient of expansion (COE) of 10.8×10⁻⁶ and HDPE has a COE of100×10⁻⁶ to 200×10⁻⁶. However, in various embodiments of the presentinvention, the extruded conduit and the metal reinforcement of thereinforced conduit can have a difference between their respective COEssuch that the reinforced conduit is more resistant, or is immune, todelamination under the same conditions as compared to other reinforcedconduits, such as compared to reinforced conduits including steel andHDPE. For example, the COE of nylon-6,6 is about 62×10⁻⁶ to about73×10⁻⁶, which is closer to the COE of carbon steel than the COE ofHDPE.

In reinforced conduits including a process fluid, any extruded conduitin contact with the process fluid need to be compatible with the processfluid. For example, HDPE is not resistant to hydrocarbons and has atendency to absorb hydrocarbons and swell. However, in variousembodiments, the reinforced conduit of the present invention includes anextruded conduit that includes a polyamide composition with greatercompatibility with various process fluids such as hydrocarbons ascompared to other extruded conduits, such as compared to extrudedconduits including HDPE. As a result, such embodiments of the reinforcedconduit can be used for longer times with various process fluids beforereplacement or repair is required, and a greater variety of processfluids can be compatible with the reinforced conduit.

Hydrogen gas has a wide variety of applications and is expected to beused in natural gas systems of the future as the market demands cleanand efficient energy. Certain polymers such as HDPE has low permeationresistance to hydrogen gas and may experience increased likelihood ofembrittlement when used with hydrogen gas. However, in variousembodiments, the reinforced conduit of the present invention includes anextruded conduit that includes a polyamide composition (i.e., apolyamide resin including the composition that includes the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction product thereof, thecompounded polyamide composition, or a combination thereof) with higherpermeation resistance to hydrogen gas than other polymers, such ascompared to HDPE. In various embodiments, the polyamide composition canhave a lower likelihood of embrittlement when exposed to hydrogen gas.As a result, such embodiments of the reinforced conduit can have alonger lifetime when used for transport of hydrogen gas.

Process fluids including slurries and/or solids can erode the innersurface of a pipe. However, in various embodiments of the reinforcedconduit including an inner layer of extruded conduit, the extrudedconduit of the reinforced conduit can provide enhanced resistance toerosion from process fluids including slurries and/or solids due to thehigh abrasion resistance of polyamide composition of the extrudedconduit (i.e., a polyamide resin including the composition that includesthe condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reactionproduct thereof, the compounded polyamide composition, or a combinationthereof), such as compared to pipes not including an extruded polymerconduit, or as compared to pipes including extruded polymer conduitsformed from other materials.

Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) is an attractive method ofinstalling pipe, but imparts extreme wear on the outside of the pipelinebeing installed. However, in various embodiments of the reinforcedconduit including an outer layer of extruded conduit, the extrudedconduit of the reinforced conduit can provide enhanced resistance towear on the outside of the reinforced conduit, enabling the reinforcedconduit to be installed via HDD or other wear-intensive methods moreeasily and at lower cost.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter. While the disclosed subject matter will bedescribed in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will beunderstood that the exemplified subject matter is not intended to limitthe claims to the disclosed subject matter.

Throughout this document, values expressed in a range format should beinterpreted in a flexible manner to include not only the numericalvalues explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also toinclude all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassedwithin that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitlyrecited. For example, a range of “about 0.1% to about 5%” or “about 0.1%to 5%” should be interpreted to include not just about 0.1% to about 5%,but also the individual values (e.g., 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%) and thesub-ranges (e.g., 0.1% to 0.5%, 1.1% to 2.2%, 3.3% to 4.4%) within theindicated range. The statement “about X to Y” has the same meaning as“about X to about Y,” unless indicated otherwise. Likewise, thestatement “about X, Y, or about Z” has the same meaning as “about X,about Y, or about Z,” unless indicated otherwise.

In this document, the terms “a,” “an,” or “the” are used to include oneor more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated.The statement “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of A or B” hasthe same meaning as “A, B, or A and B.” In addition, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and nototherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not oflimitation. Any use of section headings is intended to aid reading ofthe document and is not to be interpreted as limiting; information thatis relevant to a section heading may occur within or outside of thatparticular section.

In the methods described herein, the acts can be carried out in anyorder without departing from the principles of the invention, exceptwhen a temporal or operational sequence is explicitly recited.Furthermore, specified acts can be carried out concurrently unlessexplicit claim language recites that they be carried out separately. Forexample, a claimed act of doing X and a claimed act of doing Y can beconducted simultaneously within a single operation, and the resultingprocess will fall within the literal scope of the claimed process.

The term “about” as used herein can allow for a degree of variability ina value or range, for example, within 10%, within 5%, or within 1% of astated value or of a stated limit of a range, and includes the exactstated value or range.

The term “substantially” as used herein refers to a majority of, ormostly, as in at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%,98%, 99%, 99.5%, 99.9%, 99.99%, or at least about 99.999% or more, or100%. The term “substantially free of” as used herein can mean havingnone or having a trivial amount of, such that the amount of materialpresent does not affect the material properties of the compositionincluding the material, such that about 0 wt/o to about 5 wt % of thecomposition is the material, or about 0 wt % to about 1 wt %, or about 5wt % or less, or less than, equal to, or greater than about 4.5 wt %, 4,3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1,0.01, or about 0.001 wt/o or less, or about 0 wt %.

As used herein, the term “polymer” refers to a molecule having at leastone repeating unit and can include copolymers.

The term “conduit” or “conduit structure”, as used herein, may refer toa hollow channel or duct suitable for conveying a fluid or passage forlaying down and enclosing thin electrical wires and cables. The conduitcross-section may have a single hole or multiple holes depending on theapplication requirement.

The term “pipe”, as used herein, may embody either right-cylindricalgeometry, i.e., having circular cross-sectional shape, and othercross-sectional shapes which may be elongated in one axis perpendicularto the conduit long axis, for example, obround and oval cross-sectionalshapes.

The term “N6” or “Nylon 6”, as used herein, refers to a polymersynthesized by polycondensation of caprolactam. The polymer is alsoknown as polyamide 6, PA6, or poly(caprolactam).

The term “N66” or “nylon-6,6”, as used herein, refers to a polymersynthesized by polycondensation of hexamethylenediamine (HMD) and adipicacid. The polymer is also known as Polyamide 66 (or PA66), Nylon 66,nylon 6-6, nylon 6/6 or nylon-6,6.

The term “N12” or “Nylon 12”, as used herein, refers to a polymersynthesized by polycondensation of ω-aminolauric acid or ring-openingpolymerization of laurolactam. The polymer is also known as Polyamide 12(or PA12), Nylon 12, poly(laurolactam), Poly(dodecano-12-lactam),poly(12-aminododecanoic acid lactam).

The term “N612” or “Nylon 612”, as used herein, refers to a polymersynthesized by polycondensation of hexamethylenediamine (HMD) andα,ω-dodecanedioic acid [or C12 diacid]. The polymer is also known asPolyamide 612 (or PA612), PA 6/12, Nylon 6/12.

The term “Nylon 66/6T”, as used herein, refers to a co-polymer obtainedfrom N66 and a polymer of N6-terephthalic acid (TPA).

As used herein, “PA610” or “nylon-6,10” is a semi-crystalline polyamideprepared from hexamethylenediamine (C₆ diamine, abbreviated as HMD) anddecanedioic acid (C₁₀ diacid). It is commercially available from Arkema,BASF, and such.

As used herein, “PA66/DI” or “nylon-66/DI” refers to a type ofco-polyamide of polyhexamethyleneadipamide (nylon-6,6 or N66 or PA66)and “DI” which is a combination of 2-methyl-pentamethylenediamine (or“MPMD”) and isophthalic acid. MPMD is commercially available as INVISTADytek® A amine and industrially known as “D” in the abbreviatedformulation labeling. Isophthalic acid is commercially available andindustrially known as “I” in the abbreviated formulation labeling.

Composition Including a Condensation Polyamide and a MaleatedPolyolefin.

The present invention provides a composition including a condensationpolyamide. The condensation polyamide is at least 30 wt % of thecomposition. The condensation polyamide is the predominant polyamide inthe composition. The composition includes from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of amaleated polyolefin (e.g., ≥15 wt % to ≤50 wt %). The maleatedpolyolefin includes maleic anhydride grafted onto a polyolefin backbone.The maleated polyolefin has a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based on total weight of the maleated polyolefin.

The maleated polyolefin, or domains thereof, can have a uniformdistribution in the condensation polyamide or composition (e.g., uniformmolecular distribution of the maleated polyolefin in the condensationpolyamide or composition, or uniform distribution of maleated polyolefindomains in the condensation polyamide or composition); the condensationpolyamide can have an AEG of ≥65 milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and≤130 meq/kg (e.g., ≥70 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg); the condensationpolyamide can have an RV of at least 35 (e.g., at least 40, or at least45); the condensation polyamide can include nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI,nylon 66, or a combination thereof; or a combination thereof.

The condensation polyamide can be one or more polyamides that can beformed via condensation (e.g., via reaction of an amine and carboxylicacid group to form an amide and release water). The condensationpolyamide can include any suitable one or more condensation polyamides.The condensation polyamide can include nylon 66, nylon 66/6T, nylon66/DI, or a combination thereof. The condensation polyamide can be nylon66. The condensation polyamide can be substantially free of polyamides(prior to being combined into the composition and combining with anyother polyamides therein) other than one or more of nylon 66, nylon66/6T, and nylon 66/DI. The condensation polyamide can be nylon 66, andthe condensation polymer (prior to being combined into the composition)can be substantially free of polyamides other than nylon 66. Thecondensation polyamide is the predominant polyamide in the composition,such that the condensation polyamide has a higher concentration in thecomposition than any other polyamide in the composition. Thecondensation polyamide can have any suitable relative viscosity (RV),such as determined via a formic acid method (e.g., ASTM D789), such asequal to or greater than 35, 40, or 45, or such as equal to or less than100, 90, or 80, or such as less than or equal to 100 but equal to orgreater than 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49,50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95, or such as 30-80, 35-75, or42-50, or such as 35-100, 40-90, or 45-80. The condensation polyamidecan be 30-99.9 wt % of the composition, 30-99.9 wt %, 60-99.9 wt %, or90-99.9 wt %, or equal to or greater than 30 wt %, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 99.9 wt % of thecomposition.

The condensation polyamide can have any suitable amount of amine endgroups (AEG), such as ≥80 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg, ≥80 meq/kg and ≤120meq/kg, or less than or equal to 125 meq/kg but greater than or equal to80 meq/kg, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, or 120 meq/kg.

The composition can further include (in addition to the condensationpolyamide) one or more other polyamides, copolymers thereof, orcombinations thereof. The one or more other polyamides, copolymersthereof, or combination thereof, can be different than the condensationpolyamide (e.g., can be different polyamides having different structuresand/or properties than the condensation polyamide). The additionalpolyamide can be or can include nylon 66, nylon 612, nylon 610, nylon12, nylon 6, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/D6, nylon66/DT, nylon 66/610, nylon 66/612, a polyamide copolymer, or acombination thereof. The one or more additional polyamides can form anysuitable proportion of the composition, such as ≥15 to ≤85 wt %, ≥20 to≤85 wt %, ≥15 to ≤80 wt %, ≥15 to ≤75 wt %, ≥15 to ≤70 wt % of thecomposition, or less than or equal to 85 wt % but equal to or greaterthan 15 wt %, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 wt%.

The maleated polyolefin includes a polyolefin or polyacrylate backbonehaving pendant maleic anhydride groups grafted thereto. The polyolefincomponent can optionally be an ionomer. The polyolefin can be anysuitable polyolefin polymer or copolymer. The polyolefin can includeEPDM, ethylene-octene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combinationthereof. In various aspects, the maleated polyolefin is free of EPDM.The maleated polyolefin can have any suitable grafted maleic anhydrideincorporation, such as a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of lessthan 10 wt %, or of 0.01 to 10 wt %, based on total weight of themaleated polyolefin, such as ≥0.1 to ≤1.4 wt %, ≥0.15 to ≤1.25 wt %, orless than or equal to 1.25 wt % but equal to or greater than 0.1 wt %,0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 wt %. Themaleated polyolefin can have any suitable glass transition temperature(T_(g)), such as ≥−70° C. to ≤0° C., ≥−60° C. to ≤−20° C., ≥−60° C. to≤−30° C., or less than or equal to 0° C. but greater than or equal to−70° C., −65, −60, −55, −50, −45, −40, −35, −30, −25, −20, −15, −10, or−5° C. The maleated polyolefin can form any suitable proportion of thecomposition, such as ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt %, ≥15 wt % to ≤50 wt %, or lessthan or equal to 50 wt % but greater than or equal to 10 wt %, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, or 49%.

The maleated polyolefin can be any suitable maleic anhydride-graftedpolyolefin. A variety of maleated polyolefins are commerciallyavailable. These may include, but are not limited to, AMPLIFY® GRFunctional Polymers commercially available from Dow Chemical Co.(Amplify™ GR 202, Amplify™ GR 208, Amplify™ GR 216, Amplify™ GR380),Exxelor™ Polymer Resins commercially available from ExxonMobil (Exxelor™VA 1803, Exxelor™ VA 1840, Exxelor™ VA1202, Exxelor™ PO 1020, Exxelor™PO 1015), ENGAGE™ 8100 Polyolefin Elastomer commercially available fromDow Elastomer, Bondyram® 7103 Maleic Anhydride-Modified PolyolefinElastomer commercially available from Ram-On Industries LP, and such. Invarious embodiments, the maleated polyolefin increases the glycolysisresistance or hydrolysis resistance of the condensation polyamide,improves other properties, or a combination thereof. Table 1 listsnon-limiting commercially available modified polyolefins.

TABLE 1 Commercially available modified polyolefins. Commercial Manuf./Modification Level Polyolefin Trade Name (wt %) in PolyolefinPolypropylene ExxonMobil/ 0.2-0.5 Exxelor ™ VA1840 Polypropylene Ram-Onindustries/ <1 Bondyram ® 7103 Very low-density Dow Chemicals/ 0.25-0.5 Polyethylene [vLDPE] Amplify ™ GR208 Polypropylene ExxonMobil/ 0.25-0.5 Exxelor ™ PO1015 Ethylene alpha olefin ExxonMobil/ 0.5-1   Exxelor ™VA1202 Ethylene octene Dow Chemicals/ 0.5-1   Amplify ™ GR216 PureEthylene ExxonMobil/ 0.5-1   Exxelor ™ VA1803 Low-density DowChemicals/ >1 Polyethylene [LDPE] Amplify ™ GR202

In Table 1, the term “Modification Level (wt %) in Polyolefin” means thefunctionalized level in the polyolefin tested. For example, in the firstrow of Table 1, polypropylene with 0.2-0.5 wt % modification level meansit is a modified polyolefin having 0.2-0.5% grafted maleic anhydridecontent.

In various aspects, the composition can include glass fibers or otherglass reinforcements, or the composition can be substantially free ofglass fibers or other glass reinforcements. The composition can include≥1 wt % to ≤50 wt % glass fibers, ≥10 wt % to ≤42 wt %, ≥10 wt % to ≤35wt %, ≥15 wt % to ≤30 wt %, or less than or equal to 50 wt % but equalto or greater than 5 wt %, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 wt %.Disclosed compositions containing glass fiber can lend themselves tomixing, extrusion and molding more easily than would be predicted fromthe performance of more closely balanced (lower AEG) condensationpolyamides.

Reacted Polyamide Composition.

The present invention provides a reacted composition that is a reactionproduct of the composition including the condensation polyamide and themaleated polyolefin. The reacted composition can include a reactionproduct of the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, suchas a polyamide-polyolefin copolymer formed from at least partialreaction of the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin.

The reacted composition can include the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin wherein any suitableproportion of the condensation polyamide has reacted with the maleatedpolyolefin. For example, the reacted composition can include thepolyamide-polyolefin copolymer in a concentration range of ≥50 to ≤7500ppmw, ≥100 to ≤4900 ppmw, ≥225 to ≤3750 ppmw, or less than or equal to7500 ppmw but greater than or equal to 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1,000,1,500, 2,000, 2,500, 3,000, 3,500, 4,000, 4,500, 5,000, 6,000, 7,000, or8,000 ppmw. In some aspects, the amount of polyamide-polyolefincopolymer can be calculated by multiplying the concentration of themaleated polyolefin with the modification level of the maleatedpolyolefin. For example, for a reacted composition made from 80:20(wt:wt) polyamide:modified polyolefin having 0.5 wt. % grafted (e.g.:maleated) modification, the total reacted polyamide-polyolefinmodification functionality in the sample (assuming all grafted maleicanhydride reacts, which may not occur) can be calculated as(0.20)*(0.005)*10⁶=1000 ppmw.

The reacted composition can include the same components in the sameproportions as the composition including the condensation polyamide andthe maleated polyolefin, with the exception that the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin are at least partially reacted.

As described herein, without limiting the scope of the disclosure with arecitation of a theoretical mechanism, the generalized chemical reactionschematically represented in Scheme 1 is one approach to understand theinteraction of a maleated olefin copolymer with a polyamide.

The term “PA”, as used herein, means a polyamide (structure D).Polyamide is a type of synthetic polymer made by the linkage of an aminogroup of one molecule and a carboxylic acid group of another. Polyamidesare also generically referred to as nylons.

For the chemistry disclosed herein and throughout this disclosure; theolefin copolymer (structure A) may be any copolymer of ethylene,propylene, or butylene. The olefin copolymer may contain a suitabledegree of maleation, e.g., maleic content, for example, between 0.05 to1.5% by weight. This material can be referred to as “modifiedpolyolefin” or “maleated polyolefin” (structure C).

The term “reacted Polyamide-Polyolefin copolymer” or “modifiedpolyamide” (structure E), as used herein is the reacted portion of thepolyolefin and the polyamide matrix. This is dependent upon the originalmaleation content of the polyolefin additive (structure C).

The term “degree of maleation” or “modification level”, as usedinterchangeably herein, means the extent of which the olefin copolymer(structure A) has been reacted with maleic anhydride (structure B).

The polyamide-polyolefin copolymer formed from at least partial reactionof the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin is structureE.

Distribution of Maleated Polyolefin, Reaction Product Thereof, orDomains Thereof, in the Composition.

The maleated polyolefin, domains thereof, or reaction products thereofwith the condensation polyamide, can have any suitable distribution inthe condensation polyamide (and in any additional polyamides present) orin the composition. For example, the maleated polyolefin, or domainsthereof, can have a uniform or homogeneous distribution in thecondensation polyamide (and any additional polyamides present) or in thecomposition on a molecular level, such that the molecules of themaleated polyolefin are homogeneously distributed therein. The maleatedpolyolefin or reaction product thereof can forms domains within thecondensation polymer (and any other polyamides present) or within thecomposition; in some aspects, the maleated polyolefin or reactionproduct thereof can be at least partially immiscible with thecondensation polymer. For example, the condensation polymer (and anyother polyamides present), or all polymeric components other than themaleated polyolefin, or the remainder of the composition, can form acontinuous phase, and the maleated polyolefin can form a discontinuousphase (domains) therein. In various aspects, the compounded polyamidecomposition described herein can include a uniform or homogeneousdistribution of the maleated polyolefin, reaction products thereof, ordomains of the maleated polyolefin or reaction products thereof.

In various aspects, extruded materials described herein, formed from thecomposition that includes the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, the reaction product thereof, the compounded polyamidecomposition, or a combination thereof, can include a uniform orhomogeneous distribution of the maleated polyolefin, reaction productsthereof, or domains of the maleated polyolefin or reaction productsthereof.

Compounded Polyamide Composition.

The present invention provides a compounded polyamide composition. Thecompounded polyamide composition includes the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin and/or a reactionproduct of the composition. The compounded polyamide composition alsoincludes one or more other components.

The compounded polyamide can be extrudable, such that the compoundedpolyamide can be extruded to form an extrudate or an extruded article.The compound polyamide can be moldable, such that the polyamide can beplaced into a mold and cooled to form a molded article.

The one or more other components can include any suitable one or morecomponents. The one or more other components can include a modifiedpolyphenylene ether, an impact modifier, a flame retardant, a chainextender, a heat stabilizer (e.g., Zytel® additives [DuPont], Irganox®sterically hindered additives [BASF], and such), a colorant additive, afiller, a conductive fiber, glass fibers, another polyamide other thanthe condensation polyamide, or a combination thereof. Non-limitingexamples of optional additives include adhesion promoters, biocides,anti-fogging agents, anti-static agents, anti-oxidants, bonding, blowingand foaming agents, catalysts, dispersants, extenders, smokesuppressants, impact modifiers, initiators, lubricants, nucleants,pigments, colorants and dyes, optical brighteners, plasticizers,processing aids, release agents, silanes, titanates and zirconates, slipagents, anti-blocking agents, stabilizers, stearates, ultraviolet lightabsorbers, waxes, catalyst deactivators, and combinations thereof.

The one or more other components can include a chain extender. The chainextender can be capable of reacting with the amine and/or acid terminalgroups of the condensation polyamide and/or of the reaction productthereof with the maleated polyolefin, thereby connecting two polyamidechains. The chain extender can be any suitable chain extender, such as adialcohol (e.g., ethylene glycol, propanediol, butanediol, hexanediol,or hydroquinone bis(hydroxyethyl)ether), a bis-epoxide (e.g., bisphenolA diglycidyl ether), polymers having epoxide functional groups (e.g., aspendant and/or terminal functional groups), polymers including anhydridefunctional groups, bis-N-acyl bis-caprolactams (e.g., isophthaloylbis-caprolactam (IBS), adipoyl bis-caprolactam (ABC), or terephthaloylbis-caprolactam (TBC)), diphenyl carbonates, bisoxazolines,oxazolinones, diisocyanates, organic phosphites (triphenyl phosphite,caprolactam phosphite), bis-ketenimines, or dianhydrides. The chainextender can be a polymer including anhydride functional groups, such asa maleic anhydride-polyolefin copolymer (e.g., an alternating copolymerof maleic anhydride and ethylene). For end-uses that require hydrolysisresistance, chain extenders that are known to improve hydrolysisresistance are preferred. The chain extender can be any suitableproportion of the compounded polyamide composition, such as ≥0.05 to ≤5wt % or ≥0.05 to ≤2 wt % of the compounded polyamide composition, orless than or equal to 5 wt % but greater than or equal to 0.05 wt %,0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5,1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, 3, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4,4.2, 4.4, 4.6, or 4.8 wt %.

The compounded polyamide composition can include the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin and/or a reaction product thereof,wherein the maleated polyolefin is ≥10 to ≤50 wt % of the compoundedpolyamide composition. The compounded polyamide composition can includean additional polyamide (different than the condensation polyamide) thatis ≥15 to ≤85 wt %, ≥20 to ≤85 wt %, ≥15 to ≤80 wt %, ≥15 to ≥75 wt %,or ≥15 to ≤70 wt % of the composition, or less than or equal to 85 wt %but equal to or greater than 15 wt %, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55,60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 wt %, such as nylon 66, nylon 612, nylon 610,nylon 12, nylon 6, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/D6, nylon 66/DT,nylon 66/610, nylon 66/612, a polyamide copolymer, or a combinationthereof. The compounded polyamide composition can include a chainextender that is ≥0.05 to ≤5 wt % of the compounded polyamidecomposition.

The compounded polyamide composition can include 50-80 wt % of thecondensation polyamide and 10-50 wt % of the maleated polyolefin, and/ora reaction product thereof. The compounded polyamide composition canfurther include 0 to 20 wt % polyamide 612; 0 to 20 wt % modifiedpolyphenylene ether; 0 to 30 wt % flame retardant; 0 to 10 wt % combinedchain extender, heat stabilizer and colorant additives; and 0 to 40 wt %combined filler and/or conductive fiber additives.

In various aspects, the compounded polyamide composition can includeglass fibers or other glass reinforcements, or the compoundedcomposition can be substantially free of glass fibers or other glassreinforcements. The compounded composition can include ≥1 wt % to ≤50 wt% glass fibers, ≥10 wt % to ≤42 wt %, ≥10 wt % to ≤35 wt %, ≥15 wt % to≤30 wt %, or less than or equal to 50 wt % but equal to or greater than5 wt %, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 wt %. Disclosed compositionscontaining glass fiber can lend themselves to mixing, extrusion andmolding more easily than would be predicted from the performance of moreclosely balanced (lower AEG) condensation polyamides.

In various aspects, the composition, reaction product thereof, orcompounded polyamide composition, can be provided in a granulatephysical form, such as 3 mm diameter 3-5 mm length cylindrical pellets.

In various aspects, the compounded polyamide composition can include70-80 wt % of a condensation polyamide that is PA66 having an RV of35-50 and an AEG of ≥65 milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and ≤130 meq/kg(e.g., equal to or less than 80 wt % and greater than or equal to 70 wt%, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, or 79 wt %), and 20-30 wt % of themaleated polyolefin (e.g., less than or equal to 30 wt % and greaterthan or equal to 20 wt %, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 wt%).

In various aspects, the compounded polyamide composition can include30-50 wt % of a condensation polyamide that is PA66 having an RV of35-50 and an AEG of ≥65 milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and ≤130 meq/kg(e.g., less than or equal to 50 wt % and greater than or equal to 30 wt%, 32, 34, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, or 49%), 20-40 wt% of an additional polyamide that is PA66/DI (e.g., equal to or lessthan 40 wt % and greater than or equal to 20 wt %, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30,32, 34, 36, 38, or 239 wt %), 20-30 wt % of the maleated polyolefin(e.g., less than or equal to 30 wt % and greater than or equal to 20 wt%, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 wt), and 1-10 wt % chainextender (e.g., less than or equal to 10 wt % and greater than or equalto 1 wt, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 wt %).

Table 2 gives examples of component ranges for the compounded polyamidecomposition, given in parts b weight.

TABLE 2 Examples of component ranges. Using Using High PA66 AEG PA66Component RV Range RV Range Using PA66/6T ( wt. % ) 35-240 35-240Copolymer Condensation polyamide 50-75 60-80 60-80 Polyamide 612 (PA612)Up to 20  Up to 20  Up to 20  Modified PPE Up to 20  Up to 20  Up to 20 Maleated-pollyollefinic 18-40 18-40 18-40 component (e.g., GR216, Engage8401, E-43P, and the like) Chain Extender component Up to 1   Up to 1  Up to 1   (e.g., ZeMac, and the like Colorant component Up to 2.5 Up to2.5 Up to 2.5 (e.g., BK34, and the like) Heat stabilizer component0.3-2   0.3-2   0.3-2   (e.g., Irgatiox, Zytel, and the like) Fillercomponent Up to 25  Up to 25  Up to 25  (e.g., GF, and the like)Conductive component Up to 15  Up to 15  Up to 15  (e.g., carbon fiber,carbon black, CNT, graphite powder, and the like) Fire Retardantcomponent Up to 25  Up to 25  Up to 20  TOTAL 100 100 100

Article.

The present invention provides an article that includes the compositionincluding the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or thereaction product thereof, or the compounded polyamide compositionincluding one or both of the same.

In various aspects, the article (or the composition, reaction productthereof, or the compounded composition) can be characterized by superiorresistance, when compared against a control, to at least one selectedfrom: cold-temperature cracking, urea exposure, fuel exposure, oilexposure, high-temperature exposure, hydrolysis, glycolysis, and saltexposure. In various aspects, the superior properties can be retainedafter aging, such as greater than or equal to 50% retention of thesuperior properties after heat aging at 100-200° C., or 130-160° C., or140° C., or 150° C. The salt can be any suitable salt, such as ZnCl₂.The resistance to cold-temperature cracking can include resistance tocracking when cycled from room temperature, such as 20° C., to extremelow temperatures such as −30° C., −40° C., −50° C. or lower.Advantageously, such cold-temperature cracking resistant compositionsare suitable for automotive end-uses in extreme environments such asarctic climates. The control can differ by at least one of AEG, weightpercentage of maleated polyolefin, and degree of maleation of themaleated polyolefin. The control can have the same composition as thearticle, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, except that the polyamide in the control canhave an AEG of <60 meq/kg (or <80 meq/kg, or <70 meq/kg). The controlcan have the same composition as the article, the composition, thereaction product thereof, or the compounded composition, except that thecontrol can be free of the maleated polyolefin, or, for example, cancontain less than 0.05 wt % of maleated polyolefin, with the controlhaving the condensation polyamide in place of the maleated polyolefin(e.g., the balance of the control is the condensation polyamide).

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can be characterized by superior mechanicalstrength compared to the control. For example, the article, thecomposition, the reaction product thereof, or the compoundedcomposition, can have a tensile strength of at least 30 MPa, or 30-200MPa, or 40-150 MPa, or less than or equal to 200 MPa but greater than orequal to 30 MPa, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150,160, 170, 180, or 190 MPa.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can have any suitable melt strength, such as amelt strength of at least 0.1 Newton.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can have any suitable Flame Resistance rating,such as a Flame Resistance rating of V-0.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can have any suitable moisture level, such asless than or equal to 0.2 wt %.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can have a tensile strength, measured accordingto ISO 527 on dry-as-molded specimens, of at least 40 MPa (e.g., 40 MPa,or 40-200 MPa, or 40-150 MPa, or less than or equal to 200 MPa butgreater than or equal to 40 MPa, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130,140, 150, 160, 170, 180, or 190 MPa), and a notched Charpy impactenergy, measured at −30° C. and according to ISO 179/1eA ondry-as-molded specimens, of at least 60 kJ/m² (e.g., equal to or greaterthan 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 kJ/m²). The “1eA” specifies the sub-methodthat was used. The sub-method specifies: (a) that the sample was testededgewise and that the notch was prepare to a specified notch diameter.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can retain ≥50% (e.g., equal to or greater than50%, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96,98, or 99%) of the tensile yield strength, tensile elongation at break,and/or tensile break strength after undergoing 1:1 (vol/vol) ethyleneglycol:water exposure at 120° C.-130° C. for 1000 hrs. The article, thecomposition, the reaction product thereof, or the compoundedcomposition, can retain ≥50% (e.g., equal to or greater than 50%, 52,54, 56, 58, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98, or99%) of the tensile yield strength, tensile elongation at break, and/ortensile break strength after undergoing 50 wt % aqueous zinc chloridesolution exposure at 23° C. for 200 hours under 3% applied strain to thetest specimens.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, upon heat aging at 140° C. for 1000 hours, canhave a tensile yield strength, measured according to ISO 527, of atleast 40 MPa, and/or a notched Charpy impact energy, measured at 23° C.and according to ISO 179/1eA of at least 45 kJ/m² (e.g., at least 45,55, 65, or 75 kJ/m²).

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, which upon heat aging at 140° C. for 1000 hourshas a tensile break strength measured according to ISO 527 of at least30 MPa (e.g., 30 MPa, or 30-200 MPa, or 30-150 MPa, or less than orequal to 200 MPa but greater than or equal to 30 MPa, 40, 50, 60, 70,80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, or 190 MPa), and/ora tensile elongation at break measured according to ISO 527 of at least5%.

In various aspects, the article is a molded article. In various aspects,the molded article can include glass fibers (e.g., ≥1 to ≤50% glassfiber, 10 wt. % to 45 wt. %, or 15 wt. % to 42 wt. %) and/or other glassreinforcements and/or can be resistant to cold-temperature cracking.

The compounded glass-fiber reinforced materials of the presentdisclosure are also suitable for making Injection Molded (IM) parts forapplications in the petrochemical and chemical treatment industry.Enhanced structural and cracking resistance performance of such moldedparts and articles are particularly suitable for diesel-operatedcommercial vehicle filter housing applications, wherein impactresistance and toughness under the standard automotive OEMs temperaturecycling protocols (for e.g.: −40° C. to ambient temperatures) aredesirable. One specific application is a filter housing molded part usedin an aqueous urea solution injection system for selective catalyticreduction (SCR) of NO_(x) emissions from a diesel combustion engine.

In various aspects, the article is an extrudate, such as a conduit(e.g., a pipe). In various aspects, the extrudate can be substantiallyfree of glass fibers or other glass reinforcements and/or can beresistant to glycolysis. The conduit can be chosen from rigid, flexible,curved, straight, bent (e.g., 90 degree bend or a bend with anotherangle), serpentine, partially corrugated, fully corrugated, and acombination thereof. The conduit can have a cross-section chosen fromround, oval, oblong, square, rectangle, triangle, star, polygonal, and acombination thereof. The conduit can have any suitable dimensions, suchas an outside diameter of 3 mm to 100 mm or 8 mm to 50 mm, and such as awall thickness of 0.2 mm to 10 mm, or 0.5 mm to 3 mm.

The extruded conduit that is substantially free of glass fibers can beselected from the group consisting of rigid, flexible, curved, bent,serpentine, partially corrugated and fully corrugated. A cross-sectionof the extruded conduit that is substantially free of glass fibers canbe selected from the group consisting of round, oval, oblong, square,rectangle, triangle, star and polygonal. The extruded conduit that issubstantially free of glass fibers can be a tube. The extruded conduitthat is substantially free of glass fibers can be a pipe.

A conduit (e.g., tube) may embody either right-cylindrical geometry,i.e., having circular cross-sectional shape, and other cross-sectionalshapes which may be elongated in one axis perpendicular to the conduitlong axis, for example, obround and oval shapes. A tube is characterizedby its aspect ratio [L/D], i.e., a geometric ratio of tube length “L” totube diameter “D”. As an illustrative example, a tube having a diameterof 1 cm and 10 cm long will have the Aspect Ratio of 10 [10:1 L/D]. Thetube Aspect Ratio can have any range depending on the end-useapplication. The tube diameter “D” can be specified to be inside tubediameter or outside tube diameter.

In some embodiments, the tube can be straight, curved, bent, serpentineor corrugated along its length. Non-limiting examples of various tubeshapes may include short-length and long-length straight tube, anglebent tube [any angle from >0° and <180° ], right angle or 90° bent tube,single-curvature or multiple-curvature tube such as a C-shaped,N-shaped, S-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, W-shaped, Z-shaped, etc.,partially corrugated tube, fully corrugated tube, and othercombinations.

The conduit can have any suitable shape and any suitable number oflayers. The conduit can have a single layer of material. The conduit canhave two (e.g., outer and inner) or three (e.g., outer, middle, andinner) layers, or more than three layers. Also, it is possible toco-extrude multi-layered tubes having non-circular cross-sections (forexample, oval, oblong, rectangular, polygonal, etc.), depending on theend-use application and cost of manufacture. Further, the individuallayer thicknesses may be varied for the desirable mechanical, structuraland burst strength performance.

The industrial utility of the solution presented in this disclosure isapparent in an automotive application as heat exchanging conduitsystems. Thin-walled, small-diameter conduits, both straight andcorrugated, prepared according to the present disclosure can beeffectively assembled for under-the-hood and electric component (e.g.:battery systems) cooling and heat transfer systems. Such conduit systemscan be designed and engineered to circulate heat exchange medium (e.g.:water, glycol mixtures, coolants, refrigerants) across the various heatgenerating components for heat removal in a closed loop manner. Currentmaterials used for such purposes are low-cost EPDM rubber and high-costPA11/PA12/PA612 specialty polyamides. The EPDM systems are bulky, heavyand require reinforcement wrapping. The specialty polyamides arelight-weight and can be flexible but come at a great cost. The presentsolution addresses the current unmet need in this industrial applicationspace.

Examples of uses for pipes extruded from the composition, reactedcomposition, and/or compounded polyamide composition can include, butare not limited to, fluid flow lines, gas gathering, water management,oil and liquified NG (LNG) gathering in the oil and gas industry;municipal, industrial, wastewater, potable and irrigation water systems;hydrogen gas industry; electric cable conduits; and other applicationswhere robust and durable piping is desirable.

The extruded conduit of the present invention can be used as a componentof a reinforced conduit, as described below

Reinforced Conduit.

The present invention provides a reinforced conduit. The reinforcedconduit includes an extruded conduit including the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or the reaction product thereof,or the compounded polyamide composition including one or both of thesame, or a combination thereof. The reinforced conduit also includes ametal reinforcement. The reinforced conduit can correspond to anysuitable example of an extruded conduit described herein that includesthe extruded conduit including the condensation polyamide and themaleated polyolefin, or the reaction product thereof, or the compoundedpolyamide composition including one or both of the same, or acombination thereof, and that also includes a metal reinforcement.

The extruded conduit can have any suitable wall thickness, such as 0.1mm to 100 mm, or 1 mm to 20 mm, or 2 mm to 10 mm, or less than or equalto 100 mm and greater than or equal to 0.1 mm, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75,80, 85, 90, or 95 mm. The extruded conduit can have any suitablediameter, such as an inside or outside diameter of 1 mm to 1000 mm, or 5mm to 700 mm, or less than or equal to 1000 mm and greater than or equalto 1 mm, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280,300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, or 950mm.

The reinforced conduit can have any suitable diameter, such as an insideor outside diameter of 10 mm to 1000 mm, or 20 mm to 700 mm, or lessthan or equal to 1000 mm and greater than or equal to 10 mm, 15, 20, 25,30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160,170, 180, 190, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550,600, or 650 mm. The reinforced conduit can have any suitable totalconduit wall thickness, such as a thickness of 0.2 mm to 500 mm, or 1 mmto 200 mm, or less than or equal to 500 mm and greater than or equal to0.2 mm, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8,8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40,45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140,150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 350, 400, or 450mm.

The metal reinforcement can include any suitable type of metal or metalsthat function to reinforce the extruded conduit, and/or that can bereinforced by the extruded conduit. The metal reinforcement can includesteel, aluminum, beryllium, copper, an alloy thereof, or a combinationthereof. The metal reinforcement can include corrosion-resistant steel,such as stainless steel, austenitic steel, 304, 304L, 316, 316L, or acombination thereof. The metal reinforcement can includenon-corrosion-resistant steel, such as carbon steel.

The metal reinforcement can be free of protective coatings to protectthe metal reinforcement from corrosion. In some aspects, the metalreinforcement include a protective coating that reduces and/or preventscorrosion of the metal, such as from water. Polyamides have a tendencyto include water and to take up water from the environment, which cancorrode metals that are not corrosion-resistant and that lack aprotective coating that reduces and/or prevents corrosion of the metal.In aspects lacking a protective coating on the metal reinforcement, themetal reinforcement can directly contact the extruded conduit. Inaspects including a protective coating on the metal reinforcement, thereinforced conduit can be substantially free of direct contact betweenthe metal reinforcement and the extruded conduit, and contact thatoccurs between the metal reinforcement and the extruded conduit canoccur via the protective coating.

The protective coating can be any suitable protective coating, such as ahydrophobic and/or water-resistant material. The protective coating caninclude a polyolefin, a polycarbonate, a polyester, or a combinationthereof. The protective coating can include polyethylene, polypropylene,a polyacrylate, a bio-derived polyolefin, or a combination thereof. Theprotective coating can include materials prepared from renewable rawmaterials. The protective coating can be adequately flexible to allowthe metal component to be wrapped around the extruded conduit withoutcracking or damaging the coating. The protective coating can have anysuitable thickness, such as a thickness of 1 micron to 5 mm, 50 micronsto 2 mm, 100 microns to 1 mm, or less than or equal to 5 mm and greaterthan or equal to 1 micron, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90,100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 microns, 1mm, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, or 4.5 mm.

The metal reinforcement including any protective coating thereon canhave any suitable thickness, such as a thickness of 0.01 microns to 100mm, or 0.01 microns to 50 mm, or 0.01 microns to 1 mm, or 0.01 micronsto 100 microns, or 0.1 microns to 60 microns, or 5 mm to 50 mm, or 10 mmto 30 mm, or less than or equal to 100 mm and greater than or equal to0.01 microns, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16,18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52,54, 56, 58, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500,600, 700, 800, 900, 1 mm, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18,20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, or 95 mm.The metal reinforcement can have any suitable cross-section, such asround, flat (planar), oval, square, rectangular, triangular, or acombination thereof.

The metal reinforcement can contact the extruded conduit, such as alongthe length of the extruded conduit. The extruded conduit can contact themetal reinforcement on an exterior of the extruded conduit, an interiorof the extruded conduit, or a combination thereof. The metalreinforcement can be partially or fully embedded within the extrudedconduit.

The metal reinforcement can have any suitable shape. The metalreinforcement can include a sleeve, a pipe, a ring, a mesh, a braid, afiber strand, or a combination thereof. The sleeve can include anunperforated solid sleeve, a perforated sleeve, a mesh sleeve, a braidedsleeve, or a combination thereof. For fibers and tapes, conventionalmetal component wrapping/winding techniques can be used and can in someaspects avoid or eliminate gaps in wrapping or wind of the metalreinforcement. The metal reinforcement can include a metal pipe, whereinthe pipe can contact an exterior of the extruded conduit. The extrudedconduit can be a liner in the pipe. The metal reinforcement can includea metal pipe, wherein the pipe can contact an interior of the extrudedconduit. The pipe can be encased by the extruded conduit.

The reinforced conduit can include a single one of the extruded conduitsand a single one of the metal reinforcements, or the reinforced conduitcan include more than one of the extruded conduits, the metalreinforcements, or more than one of both. The reinforced conduit caninclude one and not more than one of the metal reinforcements, or caninclude more than one of the metal reinforcements. The reinforcedconduit can include one and not more than one of the extruded conduits,or can include more than one of the extruded conduits. In aspectsincluding more than one of the extruded conduits, each of the extrudedconduits can have a composition that is independently selected, and eachof the extruded conduits can have a composition that is the same ordifferent. In aspects including more than one of the metalreinforcements, each of the metal reinforcements can be the same ordifferent type and/or composition of metal reinforcement (e.g., sleeve,a pipe, a ring, a mesh, a braid, a fiber strand, or a combinationthereof).

The reinforced conduit can further include one or more second extrudedconduits. Each of the one or more second extruded conduits can be thesame as the extruded conduit of the present invention (e.g., includingthe condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or the reactionproduct thereof, or the compounded polyamide composition including oneor both of the same, or a combination thereof), or can include adifferent extruded composition including one or more polymers.

The reinforced conduit can include more than one of the extrudedconduits, wherein each extruded conduit has a composition that isindependently selected. In some aspects, the extruded conduits can beattached to one another end-to-end (e.g., the extruded conduits can befused end-to-end and/or attached end-to-end via a fitting). In someaspects, each extruded conduit can be a different layer in thereinforced conduit.

In aspects of the reinforced conduit including multiple extrudedconduits that form different layers in the reinforced conduit, two ormore of the extruded conduits can contact one another along their length(e.g., free of intervening layers), or two or more of the extrudedconduits can be substantially free of contact between two or more of theextruded conduits along their length (e.g., includes one or moreintervening layers between the extruded conduits, such as the metalreinforcement). The metal reinforcement can be present between two ormore of the extruded conduits along their length. The metalreinforcement can be within inside surfaces of two or more of theextruded conduits along their length. The metal reinforcement can beoutside of two of more of the extruded conduits along their length. Theradial placement of the metal reinforcement layer between the inner andouter extruded conduit layers can depend on the processing conditions,the type of intended use of the reinforced conduit, and the operatingenvironment of the reinforced conduit. For example, the metalreinforcement layer can be closer to the outer surface than the innersurface when the external operating pressure will be higher than theinternal operating pressure. In another example, the metal replacementlayer can be closer to the inner surface than the outer surface when theinternal operating pressure will be higher than the external operatingpressure. In some examples, the metal replacement layer can beapproximately midway between the inner surface and the outer surface.Reinforced conduits for applications such as high pressure or vacuum caninclude multiple metal components and/or thicker metal components. Insome aspects, two or more of the extruded conduits in the reinforcedconduit have approximately the same thickness. In some aspects, two ormore of the extruded conduits in the reinforced conduit can havedifferent thicknesses.

In various aspects, the reinforced conduit can include an inner layerincluding the extruded conduit; a middle layer contacting the innerlayer, the middle layer including the metal reinforcement, and an outerlayer contacting the middle layer, the outer layer including another oneof the extruded conduits. The metal reinforcement can include anysuitable metal reinforcement, such as a metal sleeve, a wound layer ofmetal fibers, a metal tape, or a combination thereof. The metalreinforcement can include a protective coating, or can be free of aprotective coating that reduces and/or prevents corrosion. Thereinforced conduit can have an outside diameter of 10 mm to 600 mm, or20 mm to 310 mm. The inner layer can have a thickness (i.e., wallthickness) of 1 mm to 20 mm, or 3 mm to 15 mm. The middle layer can havea thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm, or 5 mm to 35 mm. The outer layer can havea thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm, or 3 mm to 15 mm.

The reinforced conduit can include an inner layer including the extrudedconduit; and an outer layer contacting the inner layer, the outer layerincluding the metal reinforcement, wherein the metal reinforcementincludes a metal pipe or metal sleeve. The metal reinforcement caninclude a protective coating, or the metal reinforcement can be free ofa protective coating that reduces and/or prevents corrosion. Thereinforced conduit can have an outside diameter of 10 mm to 600 mm, or20 mm to 310 mm. The inner layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm,or 3 mm to 35 mm. The outer layer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm,or 5 mm to 35 mm.

The reinforced conduit can include an inner layer including the metalreinforcement, wherein the metal reinforcement includes a metal pipe ormetal sleeve. The reinforced conduit can also include an outer layercontacting the inner layer, wherein the outer layer includes theextruded conduit. The metal reinforcement can include a protectivecoating, or the metal reinforcement can be free of a protective coatingthat reduces and/or prevents corrosion. The reinforced conduit can havean outside diameter of 10 mm to 600 mm, or 20 mm to 310 mm. The innerlayer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm, or 5 mm to 35 mm. The outerlayer can have a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm, or 3 mm to 35 mm.

The reinforced conduit can have any suitable length. For example,shorter segments can be up to the length of a flatbed truck, and longersegments can be coiled. Metal and/or mechanical fittings can be used tofuse the reinforced conduit into a continuous pipeline.

The reinforced conduit can be useful for a wide variety of applications.The reinforced conduit can be used underground, above-ground, sub-sea.The reinforced conduit can be used for aerospace applications such asatmospheric applications and space applications. The reinforced conduitcan be used for transporting fluids, irrigation, agriculturalinfrastructure, oilfield fluids, sub-sea drilling, off-shore platforms,and the like. The reinforced conduit can be used forconveying/transporting light hydrocarbons such as natural gas (NG orLNG), propane (LPG), C₁-C₂ hydrocarbons and hydrogen mixtures; variousliquids of industrial use such as irrigation water, waste water, saltwater, and cooling water; chemically compatible solvents/reagents,acids, and bases; slurries that may be abrasive to the contact surfaces,for example, coal liquids/slurries, cement slurries, on-shore/off-shoreoilfield liquids; intermediate process streams in industrialmanufacturing plant facilities, brine, fire water retention andtransport, natural gas and/or hydrogen mixtures, and sour gas(H₂S-containing); and combinations thereof.

Flame Retardancy.

The article, the composition, the reaction product thereof, or thecompounded composition, can have any suitable Flame Resistance rating,such as a Flame Resistance rating of V-0 or V-1. There are a variety oftests and standards that may be used to rate the flame retardant natureof a polymeric resin system. Underwriters' Laboratories Test No. UL 94serves as one Industry Standard test for flame retardant thermoplasticcompounds. “UL 94 Standard for Tests for Flammability of PlasticMaterials for Parts in Devices and Appliances” gives details of thetesting method and criteria for rating. The test method ASTM D635 isStandard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time ofBurning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position; The test method ASTM D3801is Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative BurningCharacteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position. Verticalburning test ratings (e.g.: V-0, V-1, V-2) are more stringent anddifficult to achieve than Horizontal burning ratings (HB-1, HB-2, HB-3).As seen in Table 3, the V-0 rating is distinguished from V-1 and V-2ratings, which are less acceptable if one is seeking the best flameretardance rating. For certain uses, V-1 is acceptable. Even with thevariety of functional additives commercially available, it is not apredictable pathway for a person having ordinary skill in the art tofind a particular combination of ingredients which, together, canachieve a V-1 or a V-0 rating in a UL 94 Flammability test.

TABLE 3 V-0, V-1, and V-2 ratings. Criteria Conditions V-0 V-1 V-2After-flame time for each

 10 s

 30 s

 30 s individual specimen t₁ or t₂ Total after-flame time

 50 s

 250 s 

 250 s  for any condition set (t₁ plus t₂ for the 5 specimens)After-flame plus afterglow time

 30 s

 60 s

 60 s for each individual specimen after the second flame application(t₂ + t₃) After-flame or afterglow of any No No No specimen up to theholding clamp Cotton indicator ignited by No No Yes flaming particles ordrops

The UL 94 Flammability test performance rating may be assessed atvarious thicknesses, for instance and without limitation, 3.18 mm, 3.0mm, 1.5 mm, 0.71 mm, 0.4 mm. By achieving a UL 94 V-0 rating at athickness as thin as 3.18 mm, it is known that a plastic article havingany larger thickness will also achieve a UL 94 V-0 rating. Obtaining aV-0 rating is more difficult to achieve in thinner test specimens, suchas for 0.4 mm or 0.71 mm thicknesses, than thicker ones.

Other tests and instruments exist to rate flammability, such as but notlimited to, the Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) test (ASTM 2863); the conecalorimetry instrument (which measures amount and rate of heat releaseduring combustion) ASTM E 1354 and ISO 5660-1 Standards are both basedupon this instrument; Glow Wire Flammability (IEC 60695-2-12); Glow WireIgnition (IEC 60695-2-13). Other tests which exist to rate flameretardancy include, and are not limited to, those where the rate ofsmoke generation, smoke obscuration, the toxicity of smoke andcombustion gases, are determined. Other tests exist to rate flameretardancy which are application specific, these include but are notlimited to applications such as; apparel fabrics, upholstery fabrics,airbag fabrics, carpets, rugs.

There exist flame retardant additives and flame retardant additivesystems well known in the art. There exist broad classes of flameretardant additives and flame retardant additive systems, for instanceand without limitation: halogen-containing flame retardants,halogen-containing flame retardants with synergists,phosphorus-containing flame retardants, inorganic flame retardants,nitrogen-containing flame retardants, nitrogen-containing flameretardants with synergists, these may be used alone or in combination.Plastics Additive Handbook, 5^(th) Ed., Ed Hans Zweifel, Hanser, 2000,ISBN 1-56990-295-X, Chapter 12 speaks to the general topic and in Table12.1 p 688 exemplifies typical flame retardant additive system and thelevels of flame retardant additives used in polyamides. PlasticAdditives, 4^(th) Ed., ed R Gächter and H Müller, Hanser, 1993, ISBN3-446-17571-7, Chapter 12 speaks to the general topic and in Table 7 p739 exemplifies flame retardant additives and the levels of flameretardant additives used in polyamides. Flame Retardants for Plasticsand Textiles Practical Applications, Ed Edward D. Weil, Sergei V.Levchik. 2nd Edition, Hanser 2016, ISBN: 978-1-56990-578-4, Chapter 5, p117 speaks to the topic of flame retardant additives and flame retardantadditive systems for polyamides and exemplifies flame retardantadditives and the levels of flame retardant additives used in polyamidesthroughout. Manufacturers and providers of flame retardant additiveswill often supply guidance on effective formulations, for instance, ICLIndustrial Products Ltd produce such a guidance sheet for polyamides:Flame Retardants for Polyamides (General Application Data onFlame-Retardants for Polyamides 6 and 6,6), historically available athttp://icl-ip.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Polyamide-gnl-130729.pdf.

Halogen-containing flame retardant additives include, but not limitedto: brominated polystyrene; poly(dibromostyrene);poly(pentabromobenzylacrylate); brominated polyacrylate; brominatedepoxy polymer; epoxy polymers derived from tetrabromobisphenol A andepichlorohydrin; ethylene-1,2-bis(pentabromophenyl); Dechlorane Plus;chlorinated polyethylene; and mixtures thereof. Halogen-containing flameretardant additives with synergists include, but are not limited to: thehalogen-containing flame retardant additive together with a synergist,such as but not limited to: antimony (III) oxide, antimony (V) oxide,sodium antimonate; iron (II) oxide, iron (II/III) oxide, iron (III)oxide, zinc borate, zinc phosphate, zinc stannate, and mixtures thereof.Phosphorus-containing flame retardant additives include, but are notlimited to: red phosphorus, ammonium polyphosphate, melaminepolyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, metal dialkylphosphinates (suchas but not limited to aluminum methylethylphosphinate, and aluminumdiethylphosphinate), aluminum hypophosphite, and mixtures thereof.Inorganic flame retardant additives include, but are not limited to:magnesium hydroxide, alumina monohydrate, alumina trihydrate, aluminumhydroxide, and mixtures thereof. Nitrogen-containing flame retardantadditives include, but not limited to: melamine cyanurate, melaminepolyphosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, melamine, melan, and mixturesthereof. Nitrogen-containing flame retardant additives with synergistsinclude, but not limited to: nitrogen-containing flame retardantadditives together with a synergist, such as but not limited to, Novalacresins. Small amounts of polytetrafluoroethylene are often incorporatedinto a flame retardant additive system to retard dripping.

The literature of flame retardant additive systems also speaks to thedifferent mechanisms by which the flame retardant additive imparts itsflame retardant properties which may be active in the condensed phase,the gas phase or both. In the condensed phase the flame retardantadditive may act as a heat sink or may participate in the formation ofchar (called an intumescent system) limiting heat and masstransportation, or provide conduction of heat away by evaporation, ormass dilution. In the gas phase flame retardants may act by interruptingthe combustion chemistry by providing volatile species that formradicals in the gas phase which quench the radical chain reactions thatwould otherwise initiate or propagate the fire. Without limiting thescope of the disclosed subject matter, the composition, reactedcomposition, compounded polyamide composition, or article formedtherefrom, may aid the effectiveness by which these flame retardantmechanisms may work.

Method of Making a Polyamide Composition.

The present invention provides a method of making the compositionincluding the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or thereaction product thereof, or the compounded polyamide compositionincluding one or both of the same. The method can include combining thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin to form thecomposition, the reacted composition, the compounded composition, or acombination thereof. A method of forming the article can include makingthe composition, reaction product thereof, or compounded polyamidecomposition; alternatively, the composition, reaction product thereof,or compounded polyamide composition can be pre-formed before the onsetof a method of forming the article.

The present invention provides a method of making the compoundedcomposition, including combining the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, or the reactionproduct thereof, with one or more one or more other components to formthe compounded polyamide composition.

The method of making the composition including the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reaction product thereof,or the method of making the compounded composition, can be a method ofimproving glycolysis resistance of the condensation polyamide, whereinthe composition, reaction product thereof, or compounded compositionincluding one or both of the same, has greater glycolysis resistancethan the condensation polyamide.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition, caninclude combining the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin, or compounding the composition or reaction product thereof,in the absence of added glass fibers.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes combining the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin (e.g., and allowing the two to at least partially react toform a reaction product thereof) before adding a chain extender thereto.In other aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes combining the condensation polyamide, the maleated polyolein,and the chain extender at once without allowing any extra time for thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin to react.

In various aspects, the method of making the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reactionproduct thereof, or the method of making the compounded composition,includes providing to a first compounder extruder zone a feed includingthe condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin. The methodincludes maintaining the first compounder extruder zone conditionssufficient to obtain a first compounded polyamide melt inside the firstcompounder extruder zone. The method includes introducing a chainextender to the first compounded polyamide melt in a second compounderextruder zone. The method includes maintaining the second compounderextruder zone conditions sufficient to obtain a second compoundedpolyamide melt inside the second compounder extruder zone, wherein thesecond compounded polyamide melt is the composition including thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction productthereof, or the compounded composition. The second compounder extruderzone is downstream of the first compounder extruder zone and can be anysuitable distance from the first compounder extruder zone; the chainextender can be added at any suitable location along the length of thescrew extruder barrel.

The first compounder extruder zone can be substantially free of thechain extender, and/or of any chain extender. The chain extender can be≥0.05 to ≤5 wt % of the second compounded polyamide melt. The method canfurther include producing an article from the second compoundedpolyamide melt; for example, the method can include producing extrudatefrom the second compounded polyamide melt, or producing a molded articlefrom the second compounded polyamide melt.

The extruder used to make the composition including the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin or the reaction product thereof,or the method of making the compounded composition, can be a screwextruder (e.g., a single screw extruder, a vented twin-screw extruder,or an unvented twin-screw extruder). A barrel of the screw extruder caninclude the first compounder extruder zone and the second compounderextruder zone. Providing the feed to the first compounder extrusion zonecan include providing the feed to a feed inlet of the barrel.

In various aspects, the chain extender can be introduced to the secondcompounder extruder zone in the barrel a suitable distance away from thefeed inlet. For example, the chain extender can be introduced to thesecond compounder extruder zone at least ¼ of the length of the barrelfrom the feed inlet of the barrel. The chain extender can be introducedto the second compounder extruder zone at least ½ of the length of thebarrel from the feed inlet of the barrel. The chain extender can beintroduced to the second compounder extruder zone at least ¾ of thelength of the barrel from the feed inlet of the barrel. The chainextender can be introduced to the second compounder extruder zonesufficiently far from an outlet of the barrel to provide mixing of thechain extender with the first compounded polyamide melt to form thesecond compounded polyamide melt, and equal to or greater than ¼ of thelength of the barrel from the feed inlet of the barrel, or ½, ¾, ormore. The chain extender can be introduced to the second compounderextruder zone sufficiently far from an outlet of the barrel to providemixing of the chain extender with the first compounded polyamide melt toform the second compounded polyamide melt, and equal to or greater than20% of the length of the barrel from the feed inlet of the barrel, or30%, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95% or more of the length of the barrelfrom the feed inlet of the barrel.

In various aspects, the introducing of the chain extender to the firstcompounded polyamide melt in the second compounder extruder zone caninclude introducing the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt after a certain weight percentage of the maleated polyolefin hasincorporated into the condensation polyamide or into the composition.Incorporation into the condensation polyamide or into the compositioncan include homogeneous blending of the chain extender with thecondensation polyamide or the composition (e.g., on a molecular level,or of domains of the maleated polyolefin or a reaction product thereof),formation of a reaction product of the maleated polyolefin (e.g., withthe condensation polyamide), formation of domains of the maleatedpolyolefin or a reaction product thereof in the condensation polyamideor the composition, or a combination thereof. The introducing of thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt in the secondcompounder extruder zone can include introducing the chain extender tothe first compounded polyamide melt after at least 50 wt % of themaleated polyolefin fed has incorporated into the condensationpolyamide, or greater than or equal to 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, greaterthan or equal to 95%, or after about 100% of the maleated polyolefin hasincorporated into the condensation polyamide.

Without undue experimentation but with such references as “Extrusion,The Definitive Processing Guide and Handbook”; “Handbook of Molded PartShrinkage and Warpage”; “Specialized Molding Techniques”; “RotationalMolding Technology”; and “Handbook of Mold, Tool and Die RepairWelding”, all published by Plastics Design Library (elsevier.comwebsite), one can make articles of any conceivable shape and appearanceusing the composition, reacted composition, and/or compounded polyamidecomposition of the present disclosure, such as from the secondcompounded polyamide melt.

Method of Extrusion of a Polyamide Resin.

The present invention provides a method of extruding a polyamide resin(e.g., a method of forming an extruded article). The method includesproviding a polyamide resin including the composition that includes thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction productthereof, the compounded polyamide composition, or a combination thereof,to a feed zone of an extruder. The method includes maintaining extruderbarrel conditions sufficiently to obtain the polyamide resin melt insidethe extruder. The method includes producing extrudate (e.g., a conduit)from the extruder while optionally recovering vapor from the extrudervia a vacuum draw.

In some aspects, compounded polyamide resin pellets can be added to anextrusion apparatus and the polyamide resin can be melted.

Various methods and apparatuses for extruding thermoplastic resins intoconduits or tubes of desired shapes and forms can be used for productionof tubes of the disclosed invention. For example, in one embodiment,melting may be done in an extruder with single screw or twin-screw toproduce a homogeneous melt. Tube head temperature can be maintainedwithin 280-300° C. of the melt temperature of polymer. The extrudate canbe cooled in air or using coolant. For coolant method, a calibrator witha coolant, such as water in the temperature range of 40-70° C., can alsobe used. The flow rate of water in the cooling tank is maintained suchthat outside skin freezes instantaneously upon contact, and the outsidetube temperature is within 5-10° C. of the glass transition temperatureof polymer.

In one embodiment, the extrusion apparatus includes a static mixer and arotating screw design configured to melt the polyamide containingthermoplastic resin. In alternative embodiments, a single screwextruder, a twin-screw extruder, a vented single screw extruder, or avented twin screw extruder is used.

Use of the static mixer in the process of the present invention wasfound to significantly improve the surface quality of the inside surfaceof the tube. When a static mixer was used in the process, the insidesurface of the tube was observed to have a glossy finish. Otheradvantages of using a static mixer include thermal homogenization,minimization of melt memory, uniform viscosity and density, enhancedmixing of colors and minor additives, efficient use of all rawmaterials, elimination of streaks or clouds in the pipe, consistentquality and higher yield (less rejects).

In one embodiment, the polyamide thermoplastic resin can be melted attemperature ranging from 240 to 320° C., or from 250 to 310° C.

The melted polyamide thermoplastic resin is then extruded and passedthrough a tube forming zone of the extrusion apparatus to form thethermoplastic tube. Positive pressure may be applied to the internalcavity of the formed tube through mandrel or pin. In one aspect of thisembodiment, the process further includes the step of passing the portionof a thermoplastic tube through a dryer.

In one embodiment of this process of the present invention, theresidence time from extrusion to tube forming is less than 60 minutes,for example, less than 50 minutes, for example, less than 40 minutes.Examples of tube forming zones include, but are not limited to, spiralor basket shaped die head, transition zone, a heated mandrel with orwithout a heated pin which forms at least a portion of a thermoplastictube. When using a heated mandrel or pin, positive pressure may beapplied to the internal cavity of the formed tube through mandrel orpin.

In one embodiment, the process of the present invention further includespassing the melted polyamide thermoplastic resin through a screen toremove any contaminants or un-melted portions prior to extrusion. Inthis embodiment, the screen may be reinforced by a breaker plate tocreate pressure in the extruding apparatus.

An extruded conduit can be a multi-layer conduit including one or morelayers formed from the composition that includes the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction product thereof, thecompounded polyamide composition, or a combination thereof, or amonolayer conduit formed from the composition. Monolayer conduits canoptionally include up to 2 wt % (actives) UV-grade colorant.Multi-layered conduits can include inside/outside surface skin layersand can include up to 1 wt % (actives) non-UV grade colorant. Theextruded conduit the article can be characterized, when compared againsta control, by superior resistance to at least one selected fromcold-temperature cracking, urea exposure, fuel exposure, oil exposure,high-temperature exposure, hydrolysis, glycolysis, and salt exposure.

Method of Molding of a Polyamide Resin.

The present invention provides a method of molding a polyamide resin(e.g., a method of forming a molded article). The method includesproviding a polyamide resin including the composition that includes thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin, the reaction productthereof, the compounded polyamide composition, or a combination thereof,to a mold. The method includes producing a molded polyamide resin fromthe mold.

EXAMPLES

Various embodiments of the present invention can be better understood byreference to the following Examples which are offered by way ofillustration. The present invention is not limited to the Examples givenherein.

General Procedure for Producing Compounded Material.

A twin-screw vented extruder having 18-mm diameter co-rotating screwwith a 40-56 L/D (i.e., L/D ratio of 40-56) was used for compounding.The unit had one main feeder and at least three side feeders. A feedrate of at least 1 kg/hr was used. The twin-screw co-rotating/turning atleast 1000 RPM was sufficient to provide high shear for effectivecompounding. The total compounder throughput was at least 15 kg/hr.

The compounding unit had at least three vent ports: one atmospheric portand two vacuum ports. A knock-out pot was provided in this operation.The rotating twin screws imparted forward momentum to the heated massinside the barrel. The barrel was heated along its length to melt thepolymer. Typically, 240-320° C. was used for nylon 66.

The processing section of the twin-screw compounder was set up to suitvarious process needs and to allow a wide variety of processes, such ascompounding processes. Polymer, fillers, and additives (as desired),were continuously fed into the first barrel section of the twin screwusing a metering feeder. The products were conveyed along the screw andwere melted and mixed by kneading elements in the plastification sectionof the barrel. The polymer then traveled along to a side port wherefillers (if desired), such as but not limited to glass fiber, could beadded. The polymer then traveled on to degassing zones and from there toa pressure build zone where it then exited the die via an at least 3-mmhole as a lace. The cast lace was fed into a water bath to cool and toenable it to be cut into chips via a pelletizer. The unit was able towithstand at least 70 bar die pressure. A die with a minimum of fourholes, each at least 3 mm diameter, was used for pelletizing.

The compounded pellet having a diameter of 3 mm and a length of 3-5 mmwas produced using the above equipment. The moisture content of thepelletized material was <0.2 wt. %.

Flammability testing was established by performing a test functionallyequivalent to the UL 94 Standard.

General Procedure for Volatile Extraction Method. Extrusion Step.

The compounded polyamide resin pellets were added to an extrusionapparatus and the polyamide resin was melted.

Various methods and apparatuses for extruding thermoplastic resins intoconduits or tubes of desired shapes and forms were used for productionof tubes. Melting was done in a vented twin-screw extruder in 26 mm or45 mm sizes to produce a homogeneous melt. Tube head temperature wasmaintained within 280-300° C. of the melt temperature of polymer. Theextrudate was cooled in air or using coolant. For coolant method, acalibrator with a coolant, such as water in the temperature range of40-70° C., was also used. The flow rate of water in the cooling tank wasmaintained such that outside skin freezes instantaneously upon contact,and the outside tube temperature was within 5-10° C. of the glasstransition temperature of polymer.

The extrusion apparatus included a static mixer and a rotating screwdesign configured to melt the polyamide-containing thermoplastic resin,generally at a temperature between 260 and 310° C. Use of the staticmixer in the was found to significantly improve the surface quality ofthe inside surface of the tube. When a static mixer was used in theprocess, the inside surface of the tube was observed to have a glossyfinish. Other advantages of using a static mixer included thermalhomogenization, minimization of melt memory, uniform viscosity anddensity, enhanced mixing of colors and minor additives, efficient use ofall raw materials, elimination of streaks or clouds in the pipe,consistent quality, and higher yield (e.g., less rejects).

The melted polyamide containing thermoplastic resin was then extrudedand passed through a tube forming zone of the extrusion apparatus toform the thermoplastic tube. Positive pressure was applied to theinternal cavity of the formed tube through mandrel or pin. In one aspectof this embodiment, the process further includes the step of passing theportion of a thermoplastic tube through a dryer.

Materials Used in Examples.

Feedstock PA66 polyamide, as used herein, is a commercially availableINVISTA nylon 66 (or N66) grade under the Tradename INVISTA™ U4800polyamide resin. The PA66 has standard RV range of 42-50. The feedstockPA66 may also have RV ranging from 80 to 240.

As used herein, “High-AEG polyamide 66” or “High AEG N66” iscommercially available from INVISTA. High-AEG polyamide 66 ischaracterized by its RV range of 30-80, for example 35-75 RV, forexample, 35-70 RV, and AEG of ≥65 milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and≤130 meq/kg of the polyamide resin, for example 270 meq/kg and ≤125meq/kg, ≥75 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg, ≥80 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg, 290meq/kg and ≤120 meq/kg of the polyamide resin.

As used herein, “PA 66/6T” refers to a type of partially aromaticpolyamide that is commercially available from manufacturers includingArkema, BASF, DuPont, DSM and EMS. PA 66/6T is a type of co-polyamideprepared from PA66 and “6T”. The 6T part is a combination ofhexamethylene diamine and terephthalic acid “T”.

As used herein, “PPE” is commercially available from Asahi Kasei, SABIC,Mitsubishi and LG Chem.

As used herein, “Amplify® GR216” is a maleic anhydride grafted and iscommercially available from Dow Chemical.

As used herein, “PA612” is commercially available from DuPont, EMS,Shakespeare, Nexis. PA612 is a semi-crystalline polyamide prepared fromhexamethylenediamine (C6 diamine, abbreviated as HMD) and dodecanedioicacid (C₁₂ diacid, abbreviated as DDDA).

As used herein, “Engage 8401” is commercially available from DowChemical.

As used herein, “Epolene E-43P” is commercially available from WestlakeChemical.

As used herein, “ZeMac E60” is a chain extender that is a copolymer ofmaleic anhydride and ethylene and is commercially available fromVertellus.

As used herein, “BK34” is a colorant additive and is commerciallyavailable from AmeriChem, Clariant.

As used herein, “Zytel FE7108” is commercially available from DuPont,AmeriChem.

Diethylphosphinic Acid Aluminum salt (CAS No. 225789-38-8) belongs to afamily of dialkyl phosphinic acid salts. It is commercially availablefor use as flame retardant in engineering plastics such as polyamides,polyesters, thermosets and elastomers.

As used herein, Rianox® U-Pack B1171, a commercial polymer additiveproduct of Rianlon, is a blend of hindered phenolic antioxidant and aphosphite for processing and long-term thermal stabilization.

The formulation “PA66/DI” used in the examples of the present disclosurehad an RV of 45, and a composition of 92:8 PA66:DI (wt/wt), with the“DI” part being about 40:60 D:I (wt/wt). Other non-limitingco-polyamides suitable for use in place of the PA66/DI used in thepresent examples include 66/D6, 66/DT, 6T/DT, 66/610, 66/612, and such.

As used herein, “Stabaxol® P100” is a type of hydrolysis stabilizercommercially available from Lanxess.

Test Methods Used in the Examples

ASTM D789: Relative viscosity (RV) measurement method. ASTM D638-14:Tensile strength (MPa) measurement method. ISO 75: Heat DeflectionTemperature [HDT] measurement method. ISO 178: Flexural Stress andFlexural Modulus measurement method. ISO 180: Izod Notched ImpactStrength (23° C., kJ/m2) measurement method. ISO 188: Method of heataging used for test samples. ISO 307: Viscosity Number (VN) method usingsulfuric acid. ISO 527: Tensile Modulus and % Elongation-at-Breakmeasurement method. UL 94 Std.: Flammability [V-0/V-1/V-2] RatingDetermination method. ISO 179/2-1eU: Notched and Un-Notched CharpyImpact. ISO 11357: Melting point via DSC.

Zinc Chloride (Salt) Exposure.

To simulate Environmental Stress Cracking (ESC), injection moldedtensile bars were placed onto multiple sustained strain fixtures, withstrain rates of 0%, 1% and 3%. Four samples were tested per exposure andstrain conditions. The exposure medium was 50% zinc chloride aqueoussolution. Exposure temperature and time were 23° C. and 200 hours,respectively. The resistance to ZnCl₂ testing was performed according tothe standard SAE J2260 (1996) Section 7.5. The strained tensile barswere examined for crazing after 24 hours, 72 hours, 120 hours, 168hours, and 200 hours of exposure time. During this period, pH of thezinc chloride solution was monitored and adjusted if needed to achieve aconstant pH. At the completion of exposure time, the tensile stress andelongation at break were measured via ASTM D638 or ISO 527 at 23° C.

Glycol/Water Exposure.

Injection molded tensile and impact bars were used for testing. Amixture of glycol/water at 1:1 volume ratio was prepared and cast into apressure vessel. Then, the bars were fully immersed in the glycol/watermixture and the pressure vessel was sealed. Pressure and temperaturewere both slowly increased to achieve the desired level. The exposuretemperature and time were 100-130° C. and 1000-3000 hours, respectively.Test bars were removed for tensile and impact testing at the interval of500 hours.

Hot Air Aging.

Injection molded tensile and impact bars were used for testing. Barswere heat-aged according to ISO 188. After heat-aging, the bars werecooled to room temperature in the lab, and tensile stress, elongation atbreak, and impact properties were measured using the appropriate methodslisted above.

Examples 1 (A-M). Compounding of PA Resins

Tables 4A and 4B give compositional ranges for the several polyamidesamples that were compounded using the general procedure detailed above.

TABLE 4A Polyamide samples 1A-1H. A B C D E F G H Component wt. % wt. %wt. % wt. % wt. % wt. % wt. % wt. % 48 RV PA66 (U4800) 73.5 73.5 70.5 7358.5 58.5 High AEG PA66 (45 RV) 73.5 PA 66/6T Copolymer 73.5 ModifiedPPE 15 Maleated Polyolefin 25 20 25 25 25 25 25 25 (Amplify ™ GR216 orExxonMobil VA1840) PA612 15 Engage 8401 5 Epolene E-43P 3 Chain Extender(ZeMac E60) 0.5 Colorant (BK34 CB&N) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6Irganox B1171 HS Zytel FE7108 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 TOTAL 100100 100 100 100 100 100 100

TABLE 4B Samples 1I-1M, I J K L M Component wt. % wt. % wt % wt. % wt. %48 RV PA66 (U4800) 52 47 37 High AEG PA66 (45 RV) 52 PA 66/6T Copolymer59 Modified PPE 15 Maleated polyolefin (Amplify ™ 25 25 25 25 25 GR216or ExxonMobil VA1840) PA612 15 Diethylphosphinic Acid Aluminum 22 22 1512 22 salt Rianox ® U-Pack B1171 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 Colorant (e.g.,BK34 (CB&N)) 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 Zytel FE7108 TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100

The compounded polyamide specimens A through M in Tables 4A-B wereobtained as cylindrical pellets of dimension 3 mm diameter and 3-5 mmlength.

Example 2. Extrusion of Compounded Resin in Conduit Shape

A conduit was extruded from melted compounded polyamide resins ofExamples 1 (A-M) using a vented twin-screw extruder. The molten polymerwas passed through a screen into a heated spiral or basket-type die headwhere the polymer came in contact with a mandrel. The melted polymerthen flowed into the gap between the pin of the mandrel and the sleeve,referred to as the die-gap, where the polymer was cooled down. Theconduit wall thickness was controlled by the die-gap, swell ratio, andorientation ratio. Typical extrusion conditions are as follows: ScrewRPM 40-200; Grooved bush temp 40-200° F.; Barrel Temps. (5 barrels)505-580° F.; Die Temp. (5 die heads) 500-550° F.

Once the compounded resin composition was passed through the die-gap, itwas then passed through a calibrator ring, which was used to size theconduit to the correct outer diameter. Water may or may not be used inthe calibrator ring as a lubricant to minimize sticking. The calibratorring also has the ability to pull a vacuum for correctly sizing theouter diameter of the conduit. The conduit was then moved through two ormore cooling tanks with either water spray of atomized droplets or awater bath to cool the conduit to less than 150° C. The extruded conduit(or tube) used in most Examples herein has standard Aspect Ratio (L/D)of between 5 and 100 with 0.8-5 cm outside diameter and wall thicknessin the range of up to 3 mm. The extruded conduit (tube) was produced ina continuous fashion to either make continuous coils or cut intostraight section of desired length using a saw. However, the same orsimilar conditions can be utilized to manufacture bigger or smaller tubesizes with standard L/D ranging from 5 to 1000.

Using the extrusion process described above, Examples A-H compoundedresins were extruded in the form of a cylindrical conduit of dimension8-50 mm outside diameter×variable linear length, with a wall thicknessin the range 0.5-3 mm.

The extruded cylindrical conduits included straight and corrugateddesigns. These conduit specimens were tested for flexibility, mechanicalstrength, chemical resistance (particularly, salt resistance),glycolysis resistance, hydrolysis resistance, heat aging, and flameresistance.

The extruded conduits according to the present Example showed improvedperformance with respect to their mechanical strength, chemicalresistance (ZnCl₂ salt resistance), glycolysis resistance, hydrolysisresistance, heat aging, and flame resistance.

Surprisingly, the extruded conduits according to the present Exampleshowed improved flexibility without causing any stress cracking for along in-use duration.

Example 3. Mechanical and Structural Strength

In Table 5A, the mechanical and structural performance properties arelisted for several of the test specimens prepared according to theExample 1 formulations.

TABLE 5A Mechanical and structural performance properties for testspecimens from Example 1 formulations. Example Example ExamplePerformance Property 1A 1E 1F Moisture Absorption, at 50% RH (%) 2.1 1.92.2 Tensile Strength, DAM (MPa) 47 43 46 Tensile Strength, at 50%RH(MPa) 45 41 44 Elongation @ Break, DAM (%) 122 128 149 Elongation @Break, at 50%RH (%) 207 203 225 23° C. Notched Charpy Impact, DAM 102101 107 (kJ/m²) 23° C. Notched Charpy Impact, at 130 128 132 50%RH(kJ/m²) −30° C. Notched Charpy Impact, DAM 47 61 90 (kJ/m²) −30° C.Notched Charpy Impact at 71 67 85 50%RH (kJ/m²) 23° C. Un-Notched CharpyImpact, DAM NB NB NB −30° C. Un-Notched Charpy Impact, DAM NB NB NBFlexural Modulus, DAM (MPa) 1530 1500 1430 Melt Temperature (° C.) 262255 262 RH—Relative Humidity; DAM—Dry as Molded; NB—No Break

In Table 5B, the mechanical and structural performance properties arelisted for several of the commercially available PA66, PA12 and PA612materials.

TABLE 5B Mechanical and structural performance properties for severalcommercially available PA66, PA12, and PA612 materials. Com- Com- Com-mercial mercial mercial High PA12 PA612 Tough (Extrusion (ExtrusionPerformance Propery PA66 Grade) Grade) Moisture Absorption, at 50% 2.00.6 1.2 RH (%) Tensile Strength, DAM (MPa) 50 41 54 Tensile Strength,COND (MPa) 46 39 41 Elongation @ Break, DAM (%) 45 163 20 Elongation @Break, COND (%) 218 171 76 23° C. Notched Charpy Impact, 72 88 43 DAM(kJ/m²) 23° C. Notched Charpy Impact, 122 100 96 COND (kJ/m²) −30°C.Notched Charpy Impact 33 87 15 DAM (kJ/m²) −30° C. Notched CharpyImpact, 38 92 21 COND (kJ/m²) 23° C. Un-Notched Charpy NB/NB NB/NB NB/NBImpact, DAM/COND −30° C. Un-Notched Charpy NB/NB NB/NB NIINF3 Impact,DAM/COND Tensile Modulus, DAM (MPa) 1176 960 1970 Tensile Modulus, COND(MPa) 612 542 1158 Flexural Modulus, DAM (MPa) 1500 — — Melt Temperature(° C.) 260-263 180 220 RH—Relative Humidity; DAM—Dry as Molded:COND—Conditioned specimen at 50% RH; NB—No Break

The inventive test specimens according to the present Example have thefollowing properties: Tensile strength >40 MPa (DAM) and >30 MPa (at 50%RH). Elongation @ Break >100% (DAM) and >200% (at 50% RH). NotchedCharpy Impact @ 23° C.>100 kJ/m² and @−30° C.>20 kJ/m². Un-NotchedCharpy Impact @ 23° C. and @ −30° C. “No Break”. Moisture uptake <2.5%at 50% RH conditioned specimens. Low water vapor permeation of <30mg/h/m². Low conductivity of >10¹² Ohm·cm. Extruded or molded articlessustain 1.5-2.5 bars (5 bars maximum) operating pressure. Chemicalexposure or aging performance: Retained ≥50% mechanical properties after50:50 (vol/vol) glycol:water exposure at 100° C. for 2000 hours or at130° C. for 1000 hours; Retained ≥50% mechanical properties after 50%zinc chloride solution exposure at 23° C. for 200 hours; Retained ≥50%mechanical properties after heat aging at 110° C. or 140° C. for 1000hours.

Example 4. Salt Resistance Testing

Some of the test bar specimens prepared from the Example 1 formulations,were exposed to 50% aqueous zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) solution. The exposuretime was 200 hours at 23° C. and under 3% sustained strain to simulatethe tube bending condition. The salt resistance test was performedaccording to the SAE J2260 (1996) Test Method Section 7.5.

Table 6 provides the measured Break Strength (in MPa), TensileElongation of Break (%), and Tensile Modulus (in MPa) for the testedspecimens exposed to salt solution at 23° C. and under 3% strain. Thetest results labeled “Before” are for test specimens that were notexposed to the salt solution. The test results labeled “After 3%” arefor test specimens that had been exposed to salt solution for 200 hourswith 3% sustained strain applied.

TABLE 6 Properties of test bar specimens prepared from 1A, 1E, and 1F.Example 1A Example 1E Example 1F Before After 3% Before After 3% BeforeAfter 3% Break strength (MPa) 42 41 41 40 44 42 Tensile Elongation atbreak (%) 99 162 56 237 133 180 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 2065 1717 21441924 1903 1662

Upon test completion, there was no significant material degradation andas evidenced in changes in tensile yield strength. Visual inspectionshowed no observable surface cracking or crazing, further indicatingresistance to salt exposure for the test specimens.

Example 5: Control of Surface Porosity of Extruded Conduit Specimens

Using the above-described Volatile Extraction Method during theextrusion process, the surface porosity of the extruded articles iscontrolled to a desired distribution.

When the extruded tube specimen is cut to visually inspect thecross-section, no visible porosity is observed. Furthermore, the absenceof volatiles also provides smooth internal tube surface finish andregular inner tube diameter.

Example 6: Multi-Layer Conduit (Tube and Pipe)

Three multi-layer tubes were prepared. The multi-layer tubes have around cross-sectional profile, with a wall that includes an inner layerand an outer layer, with a middle layer sandwiched between and incontact with the inner layer and the outer layer. Table 7A provides thedetails for the three co-extruded multi-layered tubes.

TABLE 7A Details for co-extruded multi-layered tubes. Multi- layeredTube Tube Cross- Tube Cross- Tube Cross- Construction section 6A section6B section 6C Nutnber of 3 3 3 layers co- extruded Type Non-reinforcedReinforced Reinforced Materials Various All PA66 Various Inner LayerThickness 0.1-0.3 mm 0.5-2 mm 0.1-2 mm Material Tefzel HT2202, TefzelHT2202, Modified PA66, Daikin EP- Daikin EP- Tefzel HT2202, 7000,maleated- 7000, maleated- Daikin EP- polypropylene, polypropylene, 7000,maleated- Dow Engage ™ Dow Engage ™ polypropylene, series, HDPE, series,HDPE, Dow Engage ™ PA12, PA11, PA12, PA11, series, HDPE, PPA PPA PA12,PA11, Middle Layer PPA Thickness 0.7-2.5 mm 0.4-1 mm 0.4-1 mm MaterialModified PA66 10-50% glass/ 10-50% glass/ carbon fiber/ carbon fiber/carbon black carbon black filled PA66 filled PA66 Outer Layer Thickness0.1-0.3 mm 0.5-2 mm 0.5-2 mm Material same as inner same as inner sameas inner layer layer layer Total Tube 0.9-3.1 mm 1.4-5 mm 1-5 mmThickness Inside Tube 1.8-48.2 mm 5-47.2 mm 5-48 mm Dia. Outside Tube8-50 mm 15-50 mm 15-50 mm Dia. Tube Length Varies as per end-useapplication

Table 7B provides the details for co-extruded multi-layered pipesaccording to the present Examples. It will be understood that there nolimit on the number of co-extruded layers and their combinations willdepend on the end-use application.

TABLE 7B Details for co-extruded multi-layered pipes 6D-6F. Multi- PipeCross- Pipe Cross- Pipe Cross- layered section section section havingPipe having having both, inner Construction an inner layer an outerlayer and outer layers (or skin) 6D (or skin) 6E (or skins) 6F Number of2 2 3 layers co-extruded Total Pipe 5-80 mm 5-80 mm 5-80 mm ThicknessPipe diameter 2″ to 24″ 2″ to 24″ 2″ to 24″ Pipe Length Up to 2000-ft(can be coiled) for <6″ dia. pipe Up to 400-ft for >6″ dia. pipe Variesdepending on end-use application Inner Layer Thickness 0.5-5 mm [Noinner 0.5-5 mm Material Any of the layer] Any of the modified PP,modified PP, modified modified HDPE, PA12, HDPE, PA12, PA6, 12, PPS,PA6, 12, PPS, PPA, ETFE PPA, ETFE Middle Layer Thickness 4.5-75 mm4.5-75 mm 4-70 mm Material Modified 10-50% 10-50% PA66 glass/carbonglass/carbon fiber/carbon fiber/carbon black filled black filled PA66PA66 Outer Layer Thickness [No outer 0.5-5 mm 0.5-5 mm Material layer]Any of the Any of the modified modified PP, modified PP, modified HDPE,PA12, HDPE, PA12, PA6, 12, PPS, PA6, 12, PPS, PPA, ETFE PPA, ETFE

The co-extruded multi-layer pipes shown in Table 7B are useful in oiland gas processing, water management systems, and in other suchapplications as conduits for electrical and fiber optic cabling,hydrogen gas processing, and the like. The inner and/or outer layer (orconduit skin) materials may be appropriately selected to be chemicallycompatible in end-use fluid flow applications where the fluid is indirect contact.

Example 7. Glycolysis Resistance Testing

Some of the test bar specimens, prepared from the Example 1formulations, were exposed to 50% aqueous glycol solution. The exposuretime was maintained for 504 hours and 1008 hours at the constant testtemperature of 120° C. Table 8 provides the measured Break Strength (inMPa), Tensile Elongation of Break (%), and Tensile Modulus (in MPa) forthe tested specimens exposed to glycol at 120° C. The test resultslabeled “Before” are for test specimens that have not been exposed toglycol solution. Surprisingly, the elongation at break was observed tobe >100% for Example 1 (F) even after 1008 hrs of glycol exposure at120° C.

TABLE 8 Glycolysis resistance of test bars prepared from 1A, 1E, and 1F.Example 1A Example 1E Example 1F 504 1008 504 1008 504 1008 Before hr hrBefore hr hr Before hr hr Break strength (MPa) 42 27 23 41 26 25 44 2826 Tensile Elongation at break 99 101 55 56 97 43 133 112 105 (%)Tensile Modulus (MPa) 2065 356 414 2144 458 458 1903 372 310

Example 8. Heat Aging Performance Testing

Heat aging performance testing was performed at 140° C. for some of thetest bar specimens prepared from the Example 1 formulations. Table 9provides the measured Break Strength (in MPa), Tensile Modulus (in MPa),and Notched Charpy 23° C. (kJ/m²) for the tested specimens. The propertymeasurements were conducted at 200 hr, 400 hr, 600 hr and 1000 hr heataging increments. The test results labeled “Before” are for testspecimens before the heat aging test.

TABLE 9 Heat aging performance testing of test bar specimens preparedfrom 1A, 1E, and 1F. Example 1A Example 1E Example 1F 200 400 600 1000200 400 600 1000 200 600 1000 Before h h h h Before h h h h Before h 400h h Break 47 48 48 48 46 43 46 45 46 43 46 47 46 46 41 strength (MPa)Tensile 1560 1742 1726 1702 1504 1537 1692 1728 1812 1552 1467 1526 15781576 1410 Modulus (MN) Notched 102 85 72 64 49 101 80 65 57 47 107 88 7468 53 Charpy, 23° C. (kJ/m²)

Examples 9A-B. Glass Fiber Compounded Materials for Injection MoldingApplications

Formulations 1A and 1F were compounded with chopped E-glass fiber(ChopVantage® HP 3610 chopped strands) to obtain reinforced materialsthat are suitable for injection molded applications, as shown in Table10 (all values are on the weight basis).

TABLE 10 Glass fiber-compounded materials. Example General ExampleGeneral Component 9A Range 9B Range Example 1A Formulation 65% 50-85% —— Example 1F Formulation — — 65% 50-85% Chopped E-glass Fiber 35% 15-50%35% 15-50% Zn Stearate/EBS Lubricant ≤0.5% ≤0.5%

Surprisingly, in these embodiments, very high levels of glass fiberswere incorporated for the illustrative specimens of Example 1A and 1F.In some aspect, the compounded polyamide formulation in the presentdisclosure may include from 1 wt. % up to 50 wt. % glass fiber, of thetotal weight, for example, from 10 wt. % up to 45 wt. % glass fiber, forexample from 15 wt. % up to 42 wt. % glass fiber.

The test specimens of Table 10 had unexpected mechanical, chemicalresistance, hydrolysis resistance, salt resistance, and fuel/oilresistance properties, as listed below.

Mechanical performance properties. Tensile modulus: 8000-10000 MPa.Elongation at break: 4%-5%. Un-Notched Charpy at 23° C.: 90-100 kJ/m².Un-Notched Charpy at −40° C.: 80-90 kJ/m². Notched Charpy at 23° C.:20-30 kJ/m². Notched Charpy at −40° C.: 15-20 kJ/m².

Hydrolysis Resistance Properties: Hydrolysis resistance after exposed toglycol/water 50/50 at 130° C. for 1008 hrs. Tensile strength: 70-90 MPa.Elongation at break: >5%. Un-Notched Charpy at 23° C.: 40-50 kJ/m².

Salt Resistance Properties: Zinc Chloride resistance after exposed to50% aqueous solution at 23° C. for 300 hrs. Tensile strength: 100 MPa.Elongation at break: >5%. Un-Notched Charpy at 23° C.: 70-90 kJ/m².

Urea Resistance Properties: Urea resistance after exposed to aqueousurea solution at 60-80° C. for 3000 hrs. Tensile strength: 70-90 MPa.Elongation at break: >5%. Un-Notched Charpy at 23° C.: 50-70 kJ/m².

Fuel/Oil Resistance Properties: Motor oil resistance after exposure at150 ZC for 5000 hrs. Tensile strength: 90-110 MPa. Elongation at break:3-5%. Un-Notched Charpy at 23° C.: 40-70 kJ/m².

Example 10. Injection Molding (IM) of Compounded Resins of Example 9A-Bin Molded Parts

The glass-fiber reinforced materials from Examples 9A-B were injectionmolded into suitable shaped parts depending on the end-use application.These IM parts were subjected to the standard temperature cyclingprotocols practiced in the automotive OEM industry.

It was observed that the tested IM parts showed superior impactresistance and toughness during repeated temperature cycling testing.

Examples 11 O-Z. Compounding of PA Resins with Chain Extender Additive

Table 11 lists compositional ranges and some embodiments of severalpolyamide samples that were compounded using the general proceduredetailed above.

TABLE 11 Samples Q-Z. Component Range [basis: wt. %] Wt. % Q R S T U V WX Y Z Fed at the main throat (or hopoer) of the compounding exiniderHigh AEG PA66 20-75 49.8 74 49.3 38.8 24.5 27.8 37.8 — 69 69 (45 RV)PA66/DI (45 RV) 20-85 — — — 29 43.3 22 30 67.75 — — PA610  5-50 18 18 18Impact modifier 1040 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 75 75 (e.g., Amplify ™GR216) Black MB Colorant 0.5-2.5 1.0 — 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 — —(e.g.: carbon black or Nigrosine black dye) Heat Stabilizer 0.5-2   1.21.0 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.0 1.0 (e.g.: Cu-based or organic basedsuch as Irganox ® B1171) Fed at mid-way (side feed) of compoundingextruder High AEG PA66 <10 4.75 — 4.75 4.75 4.75 4.75 4.5 4.25 4.75 4.5(45 RV) Chain Extender 0.1-1   0.25 — 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25 — 0.25 0.250.5 (e.g.: ZeMac E60) Hydrolysis 0.1-3   — — 0.5 — — — 0.5 0.5 — —Stabilizer (e.g.: Stabaxol P100) TOTAL 100 110 110 100 100 100 100 101110 110

The compounding for the Table 11 compositions was performed using aconventional screw type extruder and in the 240-265° C. temperaturerange.

In the Formulation labeled “R” in Table 11, all the listed ingredientswere fed at the main throat (or hopper) of the compounding extruder. Inother Table 11 formulations, as described therein, a majority of thetotal polyamide quantity and modified polyolefin along with colorant andheat stabilizer additives were fed at the main throat (or hopper) of thecompounding extruder. The remaining quantity of the polyamide was mixedwith the chain extender and/or hydrolysis stabilizer additives and fedmid-way (via side feed) of the compounding extruder.

It was surprisingly observed that the above split-feed compoundingmethod improved the compounding performance when compared againstfeeding all ingredients at the main throat (or hopper) of thecompounding extruder. Although not bound by the theory, this observationled to a belief that late introduction of chain extender additive (asdone mid-way during compounding) affects the initial interaction betweenpolyamide component(s) and modified polyolefin in the front section. Itis also presumed that the presence of chain extender introduced early-onin the front section of the compounder may be prone to instantlyinteracting with the polyamide component(s) before any modifiedpolyolefin is able to do so. This instant interaction between the chainextension additive and the polyamide component(s) may lead to a rapidrise in the molecular weight build and viscosity, both being detrimentalfor compounding process operability. The interaction can be controlledby adding the chain extender a suitable distance away from the polyamideand modified polyolefin addition point (e.g., the main throat of thecompounding extruder) to allow suitable time for the polyamide andmodified polyolefin to react, by avoiding adding chain extender until asuitable percentage of the modified polyolefin has incorporated and/orreacted with the polyamide, or a combination thereof.

The above-compounded polyamide specimens Q through Z in Table 11 areobtained as cylindrical extruded pellets of dimension 2-4 mm diameterand 3-5 mm length.

Example 12. Extrusion of Compounded Resins of Example 11 in Pipe Shape

A round cross-section pipe was extruded from melted compounded polyamideresins of Examples 11Q-Z using a vented twin-screw extruder, asdescribed in Example 2.

The extruded pipe herein has standard Aspect Ratio (L/D) of up to 15,000with 5.08-61 cm (2″ to 24″) outside diameter “D” and wall thickness inthe range of 5 to 80 mm. The extruded pipe is produced in a continuousfashion to either make continuous long section that can be looselycoiled or cut into straight short sections of desired lengths.

In one example, a 7.62 cm (3″) outside diameter pipe having 10 mmthickness wall and about 1500 cm (50 ft) length straight section iscontinuously extruded (200 Aspect Ratio). In another example, a 10.16 cm(4″) outside diameter pipe having 20 mm thickness wall and about 2000 cm(˜100-ft) length straight section is continuously extruded (300 AspectRatio).

In one embodiment and by way of continuous extrusion of the presentdisclosure, it is possible to obtain a long-coiled pipe section havingup to 15.24 cm (6″) diameter and 2000 ft length. In another embodimentof the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a straight pipesection having 20.32 cm (8″) diameter and up to 400 ft length.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain amulti-layered conduit. Such multi-layered conduits may include annularlayers or a surface skin or a jacket. Materials suitable for layeringmay include modified polypropylene, modified HDPE, PA12, PA612, PPS,PPA, ETFE, and such. In one example, the extruded pipe section maycontain an inner layer (or skin) having a thickness of between 0.5-4 mm.In another example, the extruded pipe section may contain an outer layer(or skin) having a thickness of between 0.5-4 mm.

The extruded pipes may include straight designs for mono- as well asmulti-layered piped of desired diameters, wall thicknesses, and linearlengths.

Example 13. Mechanical and Structural Strength

The test specimens of Table 11 have the mechanical and structuralperformance described in Table 12A-F. Table 12A-F data is measured fordry as molded (DAM) test specimens unless otherwise indicated. Themeasured heat deflection temperature (HDT) ranges for Table 12formulations (DAM specimens) were 50-60° C. at 1.8 MPa and 75-90° C. at0.45 MPa. The moisture absorption for the below test specimens was <2.1wt % at equilibrium conditions.

TABLE 12A Mechanical and structural strength of test specimens of Table11. Specimen [R] of Specimen [W] of Table 11 Table 11 DAM COND DAM CONDYield strength (MPa) 40 30 41 30 Yield elongation (%) 5 40 6 50 Breakstrength (MPa) 46 44 45 42 Tensile elongation at break (%) 149 215 123205 Tensile modulus (MPa) 1360 530 1200 450 Notched Charpy, 23° C.,kJ/m² 107 132 111 134 Notched Charpy, −30° C., 90 85 85 89 kJ/m²Un-Notched Charpy, 23° C., NB NB NB NB kJ/m² Un-Notched Charpy, −30° C.,NB NB NB NB kJ/m² HDT @ 1.8 MPa (° C.) 55 — Not available — HDT @ 0.45MPa (° C.) 81 — Not available — Moisture absorption, equi (%) 2.2 2.0DAM—Dry as molded; COND—Conditioned specimen at 50% RH; NB—No Break

TABLE 12B Mechanical and structural strength of test specimens of Table11. Measured property Q R S T U V W X Y Z MFI @ 290° C. and 1.75 22.551.38 6.45 1.93 3.45 3.09 1.01 1.5 0.73 15 kg (g/10 min) Melting Point258 262 259 254 239 256 259 242 260 258 (° C.) Crystallization 205 219209 208 197 204 209 192 214 216 Temperature (° C.) Break Strength 43 4744 47 45 43 45 45 47 48 (MPa) Yield Strength 38 39 38 45 41 39 41 42 4143 (MPa) Elongation 5 5 5 5 6 5 6 6 5 6 at Yield (%) Elongation 89 149113 130 103 127 123 103 56 103 at Break (%) Tensile Modulus 1312 14661290 1552 1274 1342 1168 1276 1474 1586 (MPa) Notched Charpy, 108 107111 102 107 109 111 109 103 106 23° C. (kJ/m²) Notched Charpy, 68 90 4539 47 47 86 51 50 48 −30° C. (kJ/m²) Un-Notched Charpy, NB NB NB NB NBNB NB NB NB NB 23° C. (kJ/m²) Un-Notched Charpy, NB NB NB NB NB NB NB NBNB NB −30° C. (kJ/m²) All specimens are Dry-as-molded [DAM]; “NB”—NoBreak

TABLE 12C Glycolysis resistance of test bars prepared from Table 11Specimens. Specimen [R] of Table 11 Specimen [W] of Table 11 Before 500hr 1000 hr Before 500 hr 1000 hr Yield Strength (MPa) 40 23 22 41 22 22Yield Elongation (%) 5 40 30 6 40 40 Break strength (MPa) 46 27 25 45 2624 Tensile Elongation 110 136 96 123 143 107 at break (%) TensileModulus (MPa) 1360 266 290 1200 238 262

TABLE 12D Heat aging performance testing of test bars prepared fromTable 11 Specimens. The heat aging test was performed at 140° C.Specimen [R] of Table 11 Specimen [W] of Table 11 Before 250 h 500 h1000 h Before 250 h 500 h 1000 h Yield Strength (MPa) 40 41 41 N/A 41 4242 N/A Yield Elongation (%) 5 5 5 N/A 6 6 6 N/A Break strength (MPa) 4646 46 43 45 46 46 46 Tensile Elongation at 110 97 64 7 123 114 105 42break (%) Tensile Modulus 1360 1274 1224 1276 1200 1336 1410 1438 (MPa)Notched Charpy, 107 83 72 52 111 106 102 82 23° C. (kJ/m²)

TABLE 12E Heat aging performance testing of test bars prepared fromseveral commercially available PA66, PA12, and PA612 materials shown inTable 5B. Commercial High Commercial PA12 Commercial PA612 Tough PA66(Extrusion Grade) (Extrusion Grade) Before 250 h 500 h 1000 h Before 250h 500 h 1000 h Before 250 h 500 h 1000 h Break strength (MPa) 50 46 4124 41 37 37 38 54 53 55 53 Tensile Elongation 45 5 3 2 163 134 47 24 2024 20 5 at break (%) Tensile Modulus 1776 1686 1704 1736 960 840 9981142 1970 2008 2074 2108 (MPa) Notched Charpy, 72 30.6 28.5 22.1 88 63.935.0 5.3 43 28.5 8.0 1.7 23° C. (kJ/m²)

TABLE 12F Salt Resistance (ZnCl₂) of test bars prepared from Table 11Specimens. Specimen [R] of Table 11 Specimen [W] of Table 11 BeforeAfter 0% After 3% Before After 0% After 3% Yield Strength (MPa) 39 38 38Not Measured Yield Elongation (%) 4 40 40 Break strength (MPa) 44 43 4246 42 45 Tensile Elongation 133 156 180 154 145 171 at break (%) TensileModulus (MPa) 1903 1782 1662 731 552 517

Examples 14A-O. Glass Fiber Compounded Materials for Injection MoldingApplications

Formulation 1F was compounded with chopped E-glass fiber (e.g.:ChopVantage® HP 3610 chopped strands) and polyamide (e.g., nylon-6,6such as 45 RV High AEG PA66) to obtain reinforced materials having glassfiber reinforcement in the 35-45 wt. % range. Such reinforced compoundedmaterials are suitable for injection molded applications. Tables 13A-C(weight basis) show these compounded materials.

TABLE 13A Formulation 1F with 35 wt. % glass fiber reinforcement.Component Example Example Example Example Example (Basis: wt. %) 14A 14B14C 14D 14E Example 1F 57.5 49.5 42 34 65 Formulation Nylon-6,6 (e.g.,45 7.5 15.5 23 31 — RV High AEG PA66) Chopped E-glass 35 35 35 35 35Fiber Heat Stabilizer (e.g.: <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 Cu-based or organic basedsuch as Irganox ® B1171) TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100

TABLE 13B Formulation 1F with 40 wt. % glass fiber reinforcement.Component Example Example Example Example Example (Basis: wt. %) 14F 14G14H 14I 14J Example 1F 53 46 38.5 31.5 60 Fomnilation Nylon-6,6 (e.g.,45 7 14 21.5 28.5 — RV High AEG PA66) Chopped E-glass 40 40 40 40 40Fiber Heat Stabilizer <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 (e.g.: (Cu-based or organic basedsuch as Irganox ® B1171) TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100

TABLE 13C Formulation 1F with 45 wt. % glass fiber reinforcement.Component Example Example Example Example Example (Basis: wt. %) 14K 14L14M 14N 14O Example 1F 48.5 42 35.5 29 55 Formulation Nylon-6,6 (e.g.,45 6.5 13 19.5 26 — RV High AEG PA66) Chopped E-glass 35 35 35 35 45Fiber Heat Stabilizer <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 (e.g.: Cu-based or organic basedsuch as Irganox ® B1171) TOTAL 100 100 100 100 100

In Examples 14A-O, the polyamide used was poly(hexamethylene adipamide)or nylon-6,6.

It was observed that the toughness performance of injection-molded partsobtained from the above compounded materials could be varied dependingon the level of polyamide and glass fiber reinforcement used in thematerial. Tables 14A-L list the measured mechanical strength propertiescharacteristics of some of the Table 13A-C compounded materials preparedand tested according to the present disclosure. All specimens weretested under a dry-as-molded (DAM) condition unless otherwise indicated.

TABLE 14A Mechanical strength properties of compounded materials.Performance Property [measured for Example DAM specimen] 14B 14D 14E 14G14I 14J Tensile Strength (MPa) 140 147 124 150 164 135 Elongation atBreak (%) 5.9 5.2 6.3 5.3 4.7 5.9 Tensile Modulus (GPa) 9.2 9.2 8.5 10.511.2 9.5 Un-Notched Charpy, 112 108 108 115 113 115 −40° C. (KJ/m²)Un-Notched Charpy, 108 104 110 109 106 100 −23° C. (KJ/m²) NotchedCharpy, 15 13 16 15 14 17 −40° C. (KJ/m²) Notched Charpy, 24 17 29 23 1830 −23° C. (KJ/m²)

TABLE 14B Mechanical strength properties of compounded materials.Example ID: 14B 14D 14E Dry Cond Dry Cond Dry Cond Tensile Strength(MPa) 140 106 147 107 124 95 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 9199 5798 9232 57408506 5226 Elongation at Break (%) 5.9 10.7 5.2 10.1 6.3 11.3 Un-NotchedCharpy, 108 117 104 115 110 117 23° C. (KJ/m²) Un-Notched Charpy, 112110 108 103 108 104 −30° C. (KJ/m²) Notched Charpy, 24 32 17 26 29 4023° C. (KJ/m²) Notched Charpy, 15 16 13 14 16 17 −30° C. (KJ/m²)Moisture Absorption (%) 1.4 1.7 1.3

TABLE 14C Mechanical strength properties of compounded materials.Example ID: 14G 14I 14J Dry Cond Dry Cond Dry Cond Tensile Strength(MPa) 150.0 112.0 164.0 121.0 135 103 Tensile Modulus (MPa) 10460 662211183 7176 9530 6158 Elongation at Break (%) 5.3 9.6 4.7 8.4 5.9 10.4Un-Notched Charpy, 109 120 106 117 100 123 23° C. (KJ/m²) Un-NotchedCharpy, 115 108 113 108 115 110 −30° C. (KJ/m²) Notched Charpy, 15 33 1827 30 38 23° C. (KJ/m²) Notched Charpy, 23 16 14 14 17 19 −30° C.(KJ/m²) Density (g/cc) 1.33 1.37 Moisture Absorption (%) 1.3

TABLE 14D Mechanical strength properties of compounded materials after250 h of Heat Aging at 150° C. Example Performance Property 14B 14D 14E14G 14I 14J Tensile Strength (MPa) 146.0 153.2 126.8 155.5 171.8 135.2Elongation at Break (%) 5.1 4.8 5.2 4.8 4.2 4.7 Tensile Modulus (GPa)9.118 8.870 8.226 10.248 11.132 9.730 Un-Notched Charpy 77.38 58.9168.58 68.05 66.24 66.98 (KJ/m²)-15 J hammer at room temperature NotchedCharpy 26.17 20.54 29.41 25.8 21.86 28.8 (KJ/m²)-2 J hammer at roomtemperature

TABLE 14E Mechanical strength properties of compounded materials after500 h of Heat Aging at 150° C. Example Performance Property 14B 14D 14E14G 14I 14J Tensile Strength (MPa) 145.3 154.2 128.2 153.4 168.5 133.6Elongation at Break (%) 4.6 4.3 5.0 4.3 3.8 4.3 Tensile Modulus (GPa)8.960 9.218 8.194 10.258 10.954 9.316 Un-Notched Charpy 57.48 47.6361.91 54.0 46.21 55.19 (KJ/m²)-15 J hammer at room temperature NotchedCharpy 24.46 19.10 27.69 24.25 21.22 27.37 (KJ/m²)-2 J hammer at roomtemperature

TABLE 14F Mechanical strength properties of compounded materials after1000 h of Heat Aging at 150° C. Example Performance Property 14B 14D 14E14G 14I 14J Tensile Strength (MPa) 140.1 146.9 122.4 147.2 158.0 128.3Elongation at Break (%) 3.3 3.0 3.4 2.9 2.7 2.9 Tensile Modulus (GPa)9.070 9.558 8.196 10.642 11.062 9.204 Un-Notched Charpy 38.75 39.5835.98 42.88 41.62 34.11 (KJ/m²)-15 J hammer at room temperature NotchedCharpy 22.60 18.17 25.61 23.27 20.30 25.28 (KJ/m²)-2 J hammer at roomtemperature

TABLE 14G Glycolysis resistance of test bars prepared from Example 14Specimens. Example ID: 14B 14D 14E 0 hr 500 hr 0 hr 500 hr 0 hr 500 hrTensile strength (MPa) 139.7 64.7 147.0 68.9 124.1 61.9 Elongation @break (%) 5.9 7.3 5.2 7.4 6.3 8.2 Chord Modulus (GPa) 9.2 3.826 9.23.860 8.5 3.340

TABLE 14H Glycolysis resistance of test bars prepared from Example 14Specimens. Example ID: 14G  14I  14J 0 hr 500 hr 0 hr 500 hr 0 hr 500 hrTensile strength (MPa) 149.9 71.3 164.2 76.8 135.0 71.3 Elongation @break (%) 5.3 6.7 4.7 5.9 5.9 6.7 Chord Modulus (GPa) 10.5 3.788 11.24.660 9.5 4.220

TABLE 14I Salt [ZnCl₂] resistance of test bars prepared from Example 14Specimens. Conditions: 50% ZnCl₂ solution, 23° C., 200 hrs, 0% sustainedstrain (ASTM test bars) 14G 14I Example ID: Before After Before AfterTensile strength (MPa) 150 136 167 152 Elongation @ break (%) 5.3 5.84.8 5

TABLE 14J Tensile Stress versus Strain Performance of compoundedmaterials at 23° C. Tensile Stress (MPa) At Tensile Strain (%) 14B 14D14E 14G 14I 14J 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 43 45 40 50 53 43 1 78 80 69 88 96 781.5 98 103 85 108 120 95 2 113 120 97 123 138 108 2.5 124 132 106 134149 117 3 131 141 112 141 158 123 3.5 135 144 116 145 161 127 4 138 145119 148 163 130 4.5 139 146 121 149 132 4.7 164 5 122 134 5.2 147 5.3150 5.5 123 5.9 140 135 6.3 124

TABLE 14K Published Mechanical strength properties of some commerciallyavailable materials. Ref:https://www.campusplastics.com/campus/en/datasheet Grade 1-33% Grade2-35% Grade 3-33% 30% glass fiber glass fiber glass glass reinforcedheat 33% glass fiber reinforced heat reinforced, heat reinforced heatstabilized, reinforced heat stabilized, impact stabilized, impactstabilized, impact impact stabilized, impact modified PA66 modified PA66modified PA66 modified PA6 modified PA6 Dry Cond Dry Cond Dry Cond DryCond Dry Cond Tensile Strength 146 108 137 107 147 107 138 78 125 70(MPa) Tensile Modulus 8900 6200 8480 6750 9300 5400 8650 4850 9000 4500(MPa) Elongation at Break 3.7 7 4.5 8.4 3.2 6.8 3.6 5.1 3.5 8 (%)Un-Notched Charpy, 97 98 98 97 87 99 95 110 105 100 23° C. (KJ/m²)Un-Notched Charpy, 106 100 106 104 94 94 90 101 115 95 −30° C. (KJ/m²)Notched Charpy, 20 28 21 27 23 28 20 35 35 40 23° C. (KJ/m²) NotchedCharpy, 18 17 16 15 15 8 15 9.7 20 17 −30° C. (KJ/m²) HDT at 0.45 MPa261 260 260 220 215 (° C.) HDT at 1.8 MPa 246 242 245 200 200 (° C.)Shrinkage, 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 Parallel (%) Shrinkage, 0.7 1 0.7 0.9 Normal(%) Moisture 1.5 2 1.7 absorption (%) Density (g/cc) 1.33 1.33 1.33 1.34

TABLE 14L Tensile Stress versus Strain Performance of commerciallyavailable material shown in Table 14K and at 23° C. Tensile Stress (MPa)Grade 1 - 33% glass fiber reinforced heat stabilized impact At Tensilemodified polyamide 66 resin Strain (%) Dry Cond 0 0 0 0.5 44.99 31.010.6 53.03 0.7 61.1 40.46 0.8 68.34 0.9 75.28 48.68 1 81.76 1.1 87.8955.35 1.3 98.72 62.17 1.4 103.83 1.5 68.02 1.6 112.62 1.7 73.23 1.8119.99 1.9 77.95 2 125.92 2.1 82.24 2.2 131.08 2.3 85.89 2.4 135.25 2.589.48 2.6 138.93 2.7 92.55 2.8 141.91 2.9 95.36 3 144.21 3.1 97.82 3.2145.85 3.3 99.91 3.4 146.5 3.5 101.6 3.8 103.8 4.1 105.55 4.8 107.31

Example 15. Extrusion of Compounded Resins of Example 11 in MonolayerPipe Shape

A round cross-section monolayer pipe was extruded from melted compoundedpolyamide resin formulation “T” of Example 11 (Table 11) except that theblack MB colorant additive used was a UV-grade carbon black at about 2.0wt. % active concentration level in the total formulation. Pipeextrusion was performed using a vented twin-screw extruder, as describedin Example 2. Similar round cross-section pipe sections can be extrudedusing any of the formulations described in Table 11 of Example 11.

Example 16. Extrusion of Compounded Resins of Example 11 in Multi-LayerPipe Shape

A round cross-section multi-layer pipe was extruded from meltedcompounded polyamide resin formulation “W” of Example 11 (Table 11) thatcontains about 1.0 wt. % (active in total) non-UV grade black MBcolorant. Pipe extrusion was performed using a vented twin-screwextruder, as described in Example 2. Similar round cross-section pipesections can be extruded using any of the formulations described inTable 11 of Example 11.

The multilayer wall pipe section included a 20-mm thickness annular coresection of formulation “W” of Table 11 (Example 11) having an inside3-mm thick as well as outside 3-mm thick surface skin of HDPE. Themultilayer wall pipe section was about 4.5″ O.D. and 50-ft long. Suchdurable pipe is industrially useful for conveying flowable materialsthat are compatible with direct HDPE surface contact.

Examples 17A-D. Compounding of Resin Formulations

About 3,000 kgs of each, 18A, 18B and 18D formulations, and about 1,000kgs of 18C formulation, as represented in Table 15, are prepared bycompounding the listed ingredients in their respective amounts.

TABLE 15 Example 17A-D formulations. Component [basis: wt. %] 17A 17B17C 17D Fed at the main throat (or hopper) of compounding extruder 48 RVPA66 (U4800) — — 75.1 — High AEG PA66 (45 RV) 68 38.8 — 37.8 PA66/DI (45RV) — 29 — 29 Impact Modifier (e.g.: Dow 25 25 22 25 Amplify ™ GR216 orExxonMobil VA1840) Black Colorant (e.g.: carbon 1-3 % loading black(CB), or Nigrosine For example - 1% active loading black dye) of non-UVgrade carbon black or 2% active loading of UV grade Heat Stabilizer(e.g.: Cu- 0.5-2.0 based or organic based such as Irganox ® B1171) Fedat mid-way (side feed) of compounding extruder High AEG PA66 (45 RV)4.75 4.75 — 4.5 Chain Extender (e.g.: ZeMac 0.25 0.25 — — E60)Hydrolysis Stabilize (e.g.: — — — 0.5 Stabaxol ® P100) TOTAL 100 100 100100 CB—Carbon Black.

For 17A and 17B compounding, the High AEG PA66 feed was split with amajor portion fed at the main throat (or hopper) of the compoundingextruder with other listed ingredients. The remaining portion wasblended with the chain extender additive and the blend is fed at mid-way(side feed) of the compounding extruder. Homogeneous dispersion andmixing of the ingredients were observed in each case.

The compounding extruder was a vented twin-screw extruder, as describedin Example 2. The screw speed is 450 RPM with 70-80% torque. Thecompounded resin, in each case, was pelletized into 3 mm diameter and3-4 mm extrudates with a moisture level of below 0.15 wt %.

The extrudates obtained as above were suitable for extruding conduitsand pipes of the desired dimensions.

Example 18. Extrusion of Compounded Resins of Example 11 in MonolayerConduit Shape

As a non-limiting illustration, round cross-section, 2.54 cm (1″)outside diameter (×3 mm wall thickness) monolayer conduits were extrudedfrom each of the melted compounded polyamide resin formulations “Q” and“W” of Example 11 (Table 11) that contained about 1.0 wt. % (active intotal) non-UV grade black MB colorant. Extrusion was performed using avented twin-screw extruder, as described in Example 2. Similar roundcross-section conduits can be extruded using any of the formulationsdescribed in Table 11 of Example 11. The extruded conduit lengths can bevaried to as short as inches to continuous large coilable sections, forexample, 10-ft, 100-ft, 200-ft, 500-ft, and such.

Example 19. Extrusion of Compounded Resins of Example 11 in MonolayerConduit Shape

As a non-limiting illustration, round cross-section, 10.16 cm (4″)outside diameter [×3 mm wall thickness] monolayer conduits are extrudedfrom each, melted compounded polyamide resin formulations “Q” and “W” ofExample 11 (Table 11) except that the black MB colorant additive used isa UV-grade carbon black at about 2.0 wt. % active concentration level inthe total formulation. Extrusion was performed using a vented twin-screwextruder, as described in Example 2. Similar round cross-sectionconduits can be extruded using any of the formulations described inTable 11 of Example 11. The extruded conduit lengths can be varied to asshort as inches to continuous large coilable sections, for example,10-ft, 50-ft, 100-ft, 500-ft, and such.

Example 20. 2-8″-Outside Diameter, Metal-Reinforced Modified PA66 FlowConduit

The compositions of Example 1 and Example 11 are extruded into conduitsas described in Examples 2 and 12, respectively, to fabricate a6″-outside diameter cylindrical-shaped flow conduit. The polyamidepellets are fed to a pipe extrusion equipment. A 0.5 mm to 20 mm thickmetal sleeve layer is designed to be embedded in the polyamide matrix.The overall flow conduit thickness is 12 to 15 mm and the longitudinallength of the section is 5.4 meters (for a “stick”) to 152 meters (for acoiled product).

Example 21. 2-8″-Outside Diameter, Metal-Reinforced Modified PA66 FlowConduit

A metal reinforced modified PA66 flow conduit is prepared according toExample 20 except the metal layer is wrapped around polymer liner (usedfor chemical and temperature resistance) and an external polymershell/sleeve is used for abrasion (parallel) and impact (perpendicular)resistances to allow for faster and easier installation. The flowconduit also allows for the metal to be protected from corrosion thusremoving the need for cathodic protection.

Example 22. 6″-Outside Diameter Continuous Metal-Reinforced ModifiedPA66 Flow Conduit

Several 6″-outside diameter×152-meter-long coiled metal-reinforcedmodified PA66 flow conduit section ends, prepared according to Example20, are melt-fused together to assemble a long flow conduit line and foruse in the fluid transport service. The long line can be installedunderground, above-ground or the combination of the two. The metalreinforcement of the modified PA66 flow line is beneficial forstructural strength, integrity, and durability/life.

Example 23. 3-Layer Reinforced Conduits

Table 16 shows examples of various 3-layer reinforced conduits, whichhave modified PA66 layers that are prepared according to Example 20.

TABLE 16 3-Layer reinforced conduits. Conduit Conduit Conduit Metal-Cross-section Cross-section cross-section reinforced having havinghaving Conduit continuous wound wound Construction metal layer metalfiber metal tape Number of 3 3 3 layers Total conduit 20-50 min 20-50 mm20-50 mm wall thickness Conduit 1″ to 12″ 1″ to 12″ 1″ to 12″ outsidediameter Conduit Inside 142 for PA66 via 142 for PA66 via 142 for PA66via Surface Williams-Hazen Williams-Hazen Williams-Hazen RoughnessCoefficient Coefficient Coefficient Conduit length Vanes depending onend-use application Short segments suitable for handling on a flatbedtruck to long coilable segment (up to 2000 feet) Conduit segments joinedby fittings and fusing for a continuous flow path Inner Layer TotalThickness 5-10 mm 5-10 mm 5a-10 mm Material modified PA66 modified PA66modified PA66 having chemical having chemical having chemicalcompatibility, compatibility, compatibility, hydrolysis hydrolysishydrolysis resistance, salt resistance, salt resistance, salt crackingcracking cracking resistance resistance resistance Middle Layer TotalThickness 10-30 mm 10-30 mm 10-30 mm Material metal sleeve ofhydrophobic metal tape 5-30 min wall material of 5-30 mm thicknesscoated wall thickness having a metal fiber encased in a hydrophobic [gggmicron hydrophobic skin [500 dia.] strands skin [500 micron] on woundmicron] on both sides layer both sides Outer Layer Total Thickness 5-10mm 5-10 mm 5-10 mm Material modified modified modified PA66 [either PA66[either PA66 [either unreinforced unreinforced unreinforced orglass-fiber or glass-fiber or glass-fiber reinforced]; reinforced];reinforced]; may include may include may include additive additiveadditive package package package for UV for UV for UV resistance,resistance, resistance, color color color

Example 24. 2-Layer Reinforced Conduits

Table 17 shows examples of various 2-layer reinforced conduits, whichhave modified PA66 layers that are prepared according to Example 20.

TABLE 17 2-Layer reinforced conduits. Conduit Cross- Conduit Cross-Metal-reinforced section having section having Conduit continuous woundConstruction metal layer metal fiber Number of layers 2 2 Total conduitwall 15-60 mm 15-60 mm thickness Conduit outside 1″ to 12″ 1″ to 12″diameter Conduit Inside 142 for PA66 via About 135 to SurfaceWilliams-Hazen about 145 via Roughness Coefficient Williams-HazenCoefficient Conduit length Varies depending on end-use application Shortsegments suitable for handling on a flatbed truck to long coilablesegment (up to 2000 feet) Conduit segments joined by fittings and fusingfor a continuous flow path Inner Layer Total Thickness 5-30 mm 10-30 mmMaterial modified PA66 metal sleeve having chemical optionallycompatibility, having a hydrolysis hydrophobic resistance, salt skincracking [500 micron] resistance on both sides Outer Layer TotalThickness 10-30 mm 5-30 mm Material metal sleeve modified PA66optionally having a having chemical hydrophobic skin compatibility, [500micron] hydrolysis on both sides resistance, salt cracking resistance

The terms and expressions that have been employed are used as terms ofdescription and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the useof such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of thefeatures shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognizedthat various modifications are possible within the scope of theembodiments of the present invention. Thus, it should be understood thatalthough the present invention has been specifically disclosed byspecific embodiments and optional features, modification and variationof the concepts herein disclosed may be resorted to by those of ordinaryskill in the art, and that such modifications and variations areconsidered to be within the scope of embodiments of the presentinvention.

Exemplary Aspects.

The following exemplary Aspects are provided, the numbering of which isnot to be construed as designating levels of importance:

Aspect 1 provides a composition comprising

a condensation polyamide, wherein the condensation polyamide is at least30 wt % of the composition, wherein the condensation polyamide is thepredominant polyamide in the composition; and

from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of a maleated polyolefin (e.g., ≥15 wt % to≤50 wt %), wherein the maleated polyolefin comprises omaleic anhydridegrafted onto a polyolefin backbone, the maleated polyolefin having agrafted maleic anhydride incorporation of ≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based ontotal weight of the maleated polyolefin;

wherein, optionally,

the maleated polyolefin, or domains thereof, is/are uniformlydistributed in the condensation polyamide or in the composition (e.g.,with domains having a largest dimension of less than 1 micron, or 5 nmto less than 1,000 nm, or from 9 to 400 nm), or

the condensation polyamide has an AEG of 65 milliequivalents per kg(meq/kg) and ≤130 meq/kg (e.g., ≥70 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg), or

the condensation polyamide has an RV of at least 35 (e.g., at least 40,or at least 45), or

the condensation polyamide comprises nylon 66, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI,or a combination thereof, or

a combination thereof.

Aspect 2 provides the composition of Aspect 1, wherein the condensationpolyamide is chosen from nylon 66, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, and acombination thereof.

Aspect 3 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-2, wherein thecondensation polyamide is nylon 66.

Aspect 4 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-3, wherein thecondensation polyamide is 30-99.9 wt % of the composition.

Aspect 5 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-4, wherein thecondensation polyamide is 60-99.9 wt % of the composition.

Aspect 6 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-5, wherein thecondensation polyamide is 90-99.9 wt % of the composition.

Aspect 7 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-6, wherein thecomposition further comprises one or more other polyamides, copolymersthereof, or combinations thereof, in addition to the condensationpolyamide.

Aspect 8 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-7, wherein thecomposition further comprises an additional polyamide comprising nylon66, nylon 612, nylon 610, nylon 12, nylon 6, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI,nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/D6, nylon 66/DT, nylon 66/610, nylon 66/612, apolyamide copolymer, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 9 provides the composition of Aspect 8, wherein the additionalpolyamide comprises nylon 66, nylon 612, nylon 610, nylon 12, nylon 6,nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/D6, nylon 66/DT, nylon66/610, nylon 66/612, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 10 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 8-9, whereinthe additional polyamide is ≥15 to ≤85 wt % of the composition.

Aspect 11 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 8-10, whereinthe additional polyamide is ≥20 to ≤70 wt % of the composition.

Aspect 12 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-11, whereinthe condensation polyamide has an AEG of ≥80 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg.

Aspect 13 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-12, whereinthe condensation polyamide has an AEG of ≥80 meq/kg and ≤120 meq/kg.

Aspect 14 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-13,comprising ≥1 wt % to ≤50 wt % glass fibers.

Aspect 15 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-14,comprising ≥10 wt % to ≤42 wt % glass fibers.

Aspect 16 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-15,comprising ≥10 wt % to ≤35 wt % glass fibers.

Aspect 17 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-16,comprising ≥15 wt % to ≤30 wt % glass fibers.

Aspect 18 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-17, whereinthe maleated polyolefin comprises a polyolefin backbone that comprisesEPDM, ethylene-octene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combinationthereof.

Aspect 19 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-18, whereinthe maleated polyolefin is free of EPDM.

Aspect 20 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-19, whereinthe maleated polyolefin has a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of≥0.1 to ≤1.4 wt % based on total weight of the maleated polyolefin.

Aspect 21 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-20, whereinthe maleated polyolefin has a grafted maleic anhydride incorporation of≥0.15 to ≤1.25 wt % based on total weight of the maleated polyolefin.

Aspect 22 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-21, whereinthe maleated polyolefin has a glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of≥−70° C. to ≤0° C.

Aspect 23 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-22, whereinthe maleated polyolefin has a glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of≥−60° C. to ≤−20° C.

Aspect 24 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-23, whereinthe maleated polyolefin has a glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of≥−60° C. to ≤−30° C.

Aspect 25 provides a reacted composition that is a reaction product ofthe composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, wherein the reactedcomposition comprises a polyamide-polyolefin copolymer formed from atleast partial reaction of the condensation polyamide and the maleatedpolyolefin of the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24.

Aspect 26 provides the reacted composition of Aspect 25, wherein thereacted composition comprises the polyamide-polyolefin copolymer in aconcentration range of ≥50 to ≤7500 ppmw, based on the total weight ofthe reacted composition.

Aspect 27 provides the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-26,wherein the reacted composition comprises the polyamide-polyolefincopolymer in a concentration range of ≥100 to ≤4900 ppmw, based on thetotal weight of the reacted composition.

Aspect 28 provides the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-27,wherein the reacted composition comprises the polyamide-polyolefincopolymer in a concentration range of ≥225 to ≤3750 ppmw, based on thetotal weight of the reacted composition.

Aspect 29 provides a composition comprising:

a condensation polyamide having an AEG of ≥65 milliequivalents per kg(meq/kg) and ≤130 meq/kg (e.g., ≥70 meq/kg and ≤125 meq/kg), wherein thecondensation polyamide is nylon 66 and is at least 30 wt % of thecomposition, wherein the nylon 66 is the predominant polyamide in thecomposition; and

from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of a maleated polyolefin (e.g., ≥15 wt % to≤50 wt %), wherein the maleated polyolefin comprises maleic anhydridegrafted onto a polyolefin backbone, the maleated polyolefin having agrafted maleic anhydride incorporation of ≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based ontotal weight of the maleated polyolefin.

Aspect 30 provides a reacted composition that is a reaction product ofthe composition of Aspect 29, wherein the reacted composition comprisesa polyamide-polyolefin copolymer formed from at least partial reactionof the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin of thecomposition of Aspect 29.

Aspect 31 provides a compounded polyamide composition comprising:

the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, the reacted composition ofany one of Aspects 25-28, or a combination thereof; and

one or more other components.

Aspect 32 provides the compounded polyamide composition of Aspect 31,wherein the compounded polyamide composition is extrudable.

Aspect 33 provides the compounded polyamide composition of any one ofAspects 31-32, wherein the one or more other components comprise amodified polyphenylene ether, an impact modifier, a flame retardant, achain extender, a heat stabilizer, a colorant additive, a filler, aconductive fiber, glass fibers, another polyamide other than thecondensation polyamide, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 34 provides the compounded polyamide composition of any one ofAspects 31-33, wherein the one or more other components comprise a chainextender, wherein the chain extender is ≥0.05 to ≤5 wt % of thecompounded polyamide composition.

Aspect 35 provides the compounded polyamide composition of any one ofAspects 31-34, wherein the chain extender comprises a dialcohol, abis-epoxide, a polymer comprising epoxide functional groups, a polymercomprising anhydride functional groups, a bis-N-acyl bis-caprolactam, adiphenyl carbonate, a bisoxazoline, an oxazolinone, a diisocyanate, anorganic phosphite, a bis-ketenimine, a dianhydride, a carbodiimide, apolymer comprising carbodiimide functionality, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 36 provides the compounded polyamide composition of any one ofAspects 31-35, wherein the chain extender comprises a maleicanhydride-polyolefin copolymer, such as an alternating copolymer ofmaleic anhydride and ethylene.

Aspect 37 provides the compounded polyamide composition of any one ofAspects 31-36 comprising:

the condensation polyamide;

the maleated polyolefin that is ≥10 to ≤50 wt % of the compoundedpolyamide composition;

an additional polyamide that is ≥15 to ≤85 wt % of the compoundedpolyamide composition; and

a chain extender that is ≥0.05 to ≤5 wt % of the compounded polyamidecomposition.

Aspect 38 provides the compounded polyamide composition of any one ofAspects 31-37 comprising:

50-80 wt % of the condensation polyamide;

0 to 20 wt % polyamide 612;

0 to 20 wt % modified polyphenylene ether;

10-50 wt % of the maleated polyolefin;

0 to 30 wt % flame retardant;

0 to 10 wt % combined chain extender, heat stabilizer and colorantadditives; and

0 to 40 wt % combined filler and/or conductive fiber additives;

wherein nylon 66 and the maleated polyolefin are optionally partiallyreacted to form a polyamide-polyolefin.

Aspect 39 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, or the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-38, comprising anadditional polyamide comprising nylon 66, nylon 612, nylon 610, nylon12, nylon 6, nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, nylon 66/D6, nylon 66/DT, nylon66/610, nylon 66/612, a polyamide copolymer, or a combination thereof,wherein the additional polyamide is ≥15 to ≤85 wt % of the composition,or ≥20 to ≤85 wt %, ≥15 to ≤80 wt %, ≥15 to ≤75 wt %, ≥15 to ≤70 wt % ofthe composition, or less than or equal to 85 wt % but equal to orgreater than 15 wt %, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or80 wt % of the composition.

Aspect 40 provides an article comprising the composition of any one ofAspects 1-24, the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, thecompounded polyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or acombination thereof.

Aspect 41 provides the article of Aspect 40, wherein the article is anextrudate.

Aspect 42 provides the article of any one of Aspects 40, wherein thearticle is a molded article.

Aspect 43 provides the article of any one of Aspects 40-41, wherein thearticle is a conduit.

Aspect 44 provides the article of Aspect 43, wherein the article is anextruded conduit, such as a monolayer or multi-layer conduit. Monolayerconduits can optionally include up to 2 wt % (actives) UV-gradecolorant. Multi-layered conduits can include inside/outside surface skinlayers and can include up to 1 wt % (actives) non-UV grade colorant.

Aspect 45 provides the article of Aspect 44, wherein the extrudedconduit is substantially free of glass fibers.

Aspect 46 provides the article of Aspect 45, wherein the extrudedconduit is selected from the group consisting of rigid, flexible,curved, bent, serpentine, partially corrugated and fully corrugated.

Aspect 47 provides the article of Aspects 45-46, wherein a cross-sectionof the extruded conduit that is substantially free of glass fibers isselected from the group consisting of round, oval, oblong, square,rectangle, triangle, star and polygonal.

Aspect 48 provides the article of Aspects 45-47, wherein the extrudedconduit that is substantially free of glass fibers is a tube.

Aspect 49 provides the article of Aspects 45-48, wherein the extrudedconduit that is substantially free of glass fibers is a pipe.

Aspect 50 provides the article of any one of Aspects 44-49, wherein theextruded conduit is resistant to glycolysis.

Aspect 51 provides the article of any one of Aspects 43-50, wherein theconduit is chosen from rigid, flexible, curved, bent, serpentine,partially corrugated, fully corrugated, and a combination thereof.

Aspect 52 provides the article of any one of Aspects 43-51, wherein theconduit has a cross-section chosen from round, oval, oblong, square,rectangle, triangle, star, polygonal, and a combination thereof.

Aspect 53 provides the article of any one of Aspects 40-44 or 50-52,wherein the article comprises from ≥15 to ≤50% glass fiber and exhibitssuperior resistance to at least one of chemical, fuel/oil, hydrolysis,glycolysis, and salt exposure, as compared to a control, wherein thecontrol differs by at least one of AEG, weight percentage of maleatedpolyolefin, and degree of maleation of the maleated polyolefin.

Aspect 54 provides a reinforced conduit comprising:

an extruded conduit comprising the composition of any one of Aspects1-24, the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, thecompounded polyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or acombination thereof; and

a metal reinforcement.

Aspect 55 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 54, wherein themetal reinforcement comprises steel, aluminum, beryllium, copper, analloy thereof, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 56 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-55,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises steel.

Aspect 57 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-56,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises corrosion-resistant steel.

Aspect 58 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-57,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises non-corrosion-resistant steel.

Aspect 59 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 58, wherein thesteel comprises carbon steel, stainless steel, austenitic steel, 304,304L, 316, 316L, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 60 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-59,wherein the metal reinforcement is free of protective coatings toprotect the metal reinforcement from corrosion.

Aspect 61 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 60, wherein themetal reinforcement directly contacts the extruded conduit.

Aspect 62 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-59,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a protective coating thatreduces and/or prevents corrosion to the metal reinforcement.

Aspect 63 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 62, wherein theprotective coating has a thickness of 1 micron to 5 mm.

Aspect 64 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 62-63,wherein the protective coating has a thickness of 50 microns to 2 mm.

Aspect 65 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 62-64,wherein the protective coating has a thickness of 100 microns to 1 mm.

Aspect 66 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 62-65,wherein the metal reinforcement and the extruded conduit are free ofdirect contact and wherein contact between the metal reinforcement andthe extruded conduit occurs via the protective coating on the metalreinforcement.

Aspect 67 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 62-66,wherein the protective coating comprises a hydrophobic and/orwater-resistant material.

Aspect 68 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 62-67,wherein the protective coating comprises a polyolefin, a polycarbonate,a polyester, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 69 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 62-68,wherein the protective coating comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, apolyacrylate, a bio-derived polyolefin, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 70 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-69,wherein the metal reinforcement has a cross-section that is round, oval,square, rectangular, triangular, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 71 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-70,wherein the metal reinforcement including any protective coating thereonhas a thickness of 0.01 microns to 100 mm.

Aspect 72 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-71,wherein the metal reinforcement including any protective coating thereonhas a thickness of 0.1 microns to 60 mm.

Aspect 73 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-72,wherein the extruded conduit has a wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 100 mm.

Aspect 74 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-73,wherein the extruded conduit has a wall thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm.

Aspect 75 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-74,wherein the extruded conduit has a wall thickness of 2 mm to 10 mm.

Aspect 76 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-75,wherein the extruded conduit has an inside diameter of 1 mm to 1000 mm.

Aspect 77 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-76,wherein the extruded conduit has an inside diameter of 5 mm to 700 mm.

Aspect 78 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-77,wherein the reinforced conduit has an inside diameter of 10 mm to 1000mm.

Aspect 79 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-78,wherein the reinforced conduit has an inside diameter of 20 mm to 700mm.

Aspect 80 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-79,wherein the reinforced conduit has a total conduit wall thickness of 0.2mm to 500 mm.

Aspect 81 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-80,wherein the reinforced conduit has a total conduit wall thickness of 1mm to 200 mm.

Aspect 82 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-81,wherein the extruded conduit contacts the metal reinforcement on anexterior of the extruded conduit, an interior of the extruded conduit,or a combination thereof.

Aspect 83 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-82,wherein the metal reinforcement is partially or fully embedded withinthe extruded conduit.

Aspect 84 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-83,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a sleeve, a pipe, a ring, amesh, a braid, a fiber strand, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 85 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-84,wherein the sleeve comprises an unperforated solid sleeve, a perforatedsleeve, a mesh sleeve, a braided sleeve, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 86 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-85,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a pipe, wherein the pipecontacts an exterior of the extruded conduit, wherein the extrudedconduit is a liner in the pipe.

Aspect 87 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-85,wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a pipe, wherein the pipecontacts an interior of the extruded conduit, wherein the pipe isencased by the extruded conduit.

Aspect 88 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-87,wherein the reinforced conduit comprises more than one of the metalreinforcements.

Aspect 89 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-88,wherein the reinforced conduit comprises no more than a single one ofthe metal reinforcement.

Aspect 90 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-89,wherein the reinforced conduit comprises no more than a single one ofthe extruded conduit.

Aspect 91 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-88,wherein the reinforced conduit further comprises one or more secondextruded conduits, each of the one or more second extruded conduitscomprising:

the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, the reacted composition ofany one of Aspects 25-28, the compounded polyamide composition of anyone of Aspects 31-39, or a combination thereof, or

a different extruded composition comprising one or more polymers.

Aspect 92 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-88 or91, wherein the reinforced conduit comprises more than one of theextruded conduits, wherein each extruded conduit has a composition thatis independently selected.

Aspect 93 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 92, wherein theextruded conduits are attached to one another end-to-end.

Aspect 94 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 93, wherein theextruded conduits are fused end-to-end.

Aspect 95 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 92, wherein eachextruded conduit is a different layer in the reinforced conduit.

Aspect 96 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 95, wherein two ormore of the extruded conduits contact one another along their length.

Aspect 97 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 95, wherein thereinforced conduit is substantially free of contact between two or moreof the extruded conduits along their length.

Aspect 98 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 95-97,wherein the metal reinforcement is present between two or more of theextruded conduits along their length.

Aspect 99 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 95-98,wherein the metal reinforcement is within interior surfaces of two ormore of the extruded conduits along their length.

Aspect 100 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 95-99,wherein the metal reinforcement is outside of two or more of theextruded conduits along their length.

Aspect 101 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-100,comprising:

an inner layer comprising the extruded conduit;

a middle layer contacting the inner layer, the middle layer comprisingthe metal reinforcement; and

an outer layer contacting the middle layer, the outer layer comprisinganother one of the extruded conduit.

Aspect 102 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 101, wherein themetal reinforcement comprises a metal sleeve, a wound layer of metalfibers, a metal tape, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 103 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects101-102, wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a protective coating.

Aspect 104 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects101-103, wherein:

the reinforced conduit has an outside diameter of 10 mm to 600 mm,

the inner layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm,

the middle layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm, and

the outer layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 20 mm.

Aspect 105 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects101-104, wherein:

the reinforced conduit has an outside diameter of 20 mm to 310 mm,

the inner layer has a thickness of 3 mm to 15 mm,

the middle layer has a thickness of 5 mm to 35 mm, and

the outer layer has a thickness of 3 mm to 15 mm.

Aspect 106 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 54-100, comprising:

an inner layer comprising the extruded conduit; and

an outer layer contacting the inner layer, the outer layer comprisingthe metal reinforcement, the metal reinforcement comprising a metal pipeor metal sleeve.

Aspect 107 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 106, wherein themetal reinforcement comprises a protective coating.

Aspect 108 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects106-107, wherein:

the reinforced conduit has an outside diameter of 10 mm to 600 mm,

the inner layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm, and

the outer layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm.

Aspect 109 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects106-108, wherein:

the reinforced conduit has an outside diameter of 20 mm to 310 mm,

the inner layer has a thickness of 3 mm to 35 mm, and

the outer layer has a thickness of 5 mm to 35 mm.

Aspect 110 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects 54-100,comprising:

an inner layer comprising the metal reinforcement, the metalreinforcement comprising a metal pipe or metal sleeve; and

an outer layer contacting the inner layer, the outer layer comprisingthe extruded conduit.

Aspect 111 provides the reinforced conduit of Aspect 110, wherein themetal reinforcement comprises a protective coating.

Aspect 112 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects110-111, wherein:

the reinforced conduit has an outside diameter of 10 mm to 600 mm,

the inner layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm, and

the outer layer has a thickness of 1 mm to 50 mm.

Aspect 113 provides the reinforced conduit of any one of Aspects110-112, wherein:

the reinforced conduit has an outside diameter of 20 mm to 310 mm,

the inner layer has a thickness of 5 mm to 35 mm, and

the outer layer has a thickness of 3 mm to 35 mm.

Aspect 114 provides the article of Aspect 53, wherein the article is amolded article.

Aspect 115 provides the article of Aspect 114, wherein the moldedarticle is resistant to cold-temperature cracking.

Aspect 116 provides the article of any one of Aspects 40-52 or 114-115,wherein the article is characterized by one or more superior propertiesas compared to a control.

Aspect 117 provides the article of any one of Aspects 40-52 or 114-115,wherein the article is characterized by superior resistance to at leastone selected from:

cold-temperature cracking,

urea exposure,

fuel exposure,

oil exposure,

high-temperature exposure,

hydrolysis,

glycolysis, and

salt exposure,

when compared against a control.

Aspect 118 provides the article of Aspect 117, wherein the salt isZnCl₂.

Aspect 119 provides the article of any one of Aspects 116-118, whereinthe control is the same composition except that the polyamide in thecontrol has an AEG of <60 meq/kg.

Aspect 120 provides the article of any one of Aspects 116-119, whereinthe control is the same composition except that the control containsless than 0.05 wt % maleated polyolefin, and the balance of thecomposition is the polyamide.

Aspect 121 provides the article of any one of Aspects 116-120, whereinthe article is characterized by superior mechanical strength, ascompared to the control.

Aspect 122 provides the article of any one of Aspects 116-121, whereinthe article has a Flame Resistance rating of V-0.

Aspect 123 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-122, having a tensile strength of at least30 MPa, or having a melt strength of at least 0.1 Newton, or acombination thereof.

Aspect 124 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-123, having a tensile strength of 30-200MPa, or having a melt strength of at least 0.1 Newton, or a combinationthereof.

Aspect 125 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-124, having a tensile strength of 40-150MPa, or having a melt strength of at least 0.1 Newton, or a combinationthereof.

Aspect 126 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-125, wherein the article has a tensilestrength, measured according to ISO 527 on dry-as-molded specimens, ofat least 40 MPa, and a notched Charpy impact energy, measured at −30° C.and according to ISO 179/1eA on dry-as-molded specimens, of at least 60kJ/m².

Aspect 127 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-126, which retains ≥50% of the tensile yieldstrength, tensile elongation at break, and tensile break strength afterundergoing 1:1 (vol/vol) ethylene glycol:water exposure at 120° C.-130°C. for 1000 hrs.

Aspect 128 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-127, which retains ≥50% of the tensile yieldstrength, tensile elongation at break, and tensile break strength afterundergoing 50 wt % aqueous zinc chloride solution exposure at 23° C. for200 hours under 3% applied strain to the test specimens.

Aspect 129 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-128, which, upon heat aging at 140° C. for1000 hours, has a tensile yield strength, measured according to ISO 527,of at least 40 MPa, a notched Charpy impact energy, measured at 23° C.and according to ISO 179/1eA of at least 45 kJ/m².

Aspect 130 provides the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, thereacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, the compoundedpolyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or the article of anyone of Aspects 40-53 or 114-129, which upon heat aging at 140° C. for1000 hours has a tensile break strength measured according to ISO 527 ofat least 30 MPa, and a tensile elongation at break measured according toISO 527 is at least 5%.

Aspect 131 provides a method of making the composition of any one ofAspects 1-24, the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, or acombination thereof comprising:

combining the condensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin to formthe composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, the reacted composition ofany one of Aspects 25-28, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 132 provides the method of Aspect 131, wherein the method is amethod of making the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28,further comprising at least partially reacting the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin to form the reacted composition ofany one of Aspects 25-28.

Aspect 133 provides the method of any one of Aspects 131-132, whereinthe method is a method of improving glycolysis resistance of thecondensation polyamide, wherein the composition of any one of Aspects1-24 or the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28 has greaterglycolysis resistance than the condensation polyamide.

Aspect 134 provides the method of any one of Aspects 131-133, whereinthe method comprises combining the condensation polyamide and themaleated polyolefin to form the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24,the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, or a combinationthereof, in the absence of added glass fibers.

Aspect 135 provides a method of making the compounded composition of anyone of Aspects 31-39 comprising:

combining the composition of any one of Aspects 1-24, the reactedcomposition of any one of Aspects 25-28, or a combination thereof, withone or more other components to form the compounded polyamidecomposition of any one of Aspects 31-39.

Aspect 136 provides the method of any one of Aspects 131-135, whereinthe method comprises combining the condensation polyamide and themaleated polyolefin before adding a chain extender thereto.

Aspect 137 provides the method of any one of Aspects 135-136,comprising:

providing to a first compounder extruder zone a feed comprising thecondensation polyamide and the maleated polyolefin (e.g., at least 30 wt% condensation polyamide, from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % or ≥15 wt % to ≤50wt % of the maleated polyolefin, and optionally ≥20 wt % to ≤85 wt % ofthe additional polyamide);

maintaining the first compounder extruder zone conditions sufficient toobtain a first compounded polyamide melt inside the first compounderextruder zone;

introducing a chain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt in asecond compounder extruder zone; and

maintaining the second compounder extruder zone conditions sufficient toobtain a second compounded polyamide melt inside the second compounderextruder zone, wherein the second compounded polyamide melt is thecomposition of any one of Aspects 1-24, the reacted composition of anyone of Aspects 25-28, or the compounded composition of any one ofAspects 31-39.

Aspect 138 provides the method of Aspect 137, wherein the firstcompounder extruder zone is substantially free of the chain extender.

Aspect 139 provides the method of any one of Aspects 137-138, whereinthe first compounder extruder zone is substantially free of chainextenders.

Aspect 140 provides the method of any one of Aspects 137-139, whereinthe chain extender is ≥0.05 to ≤5 wt % of the second compoundedpolyamide melt.

Aspect 141 provides the method of any one of Aspects 137-140, wherein abarrel of a screw extruder (e.g., a single screw extruder, a ventedtwin-screw extruder, or an unvented twin-screw extruder) comprises thefirst compounder extruder zone and the second compounder extruder zone,wherein the providing of the feed to the first compounder extrusion zonecomprises providing the feed to a feed inlet of the barrel, wherein thebarrel has a length.

Aspect 142 provides the method of Aspect 141, wherein the chain extenderis introduced to the second compounder extruder zone at least ¼ of thelength of the barrel from the feed inlet of the barrel.

Aspect 143 provides the method of any one of Aspects 141-142, whereinthe chain extender is introduced to the second compounder extruder zoneat least ½ of the length of the barrel from the feed inlet of thebarrel.

Aspect 144 provides the method of any one of Aspects 141-143, whereinthe chain extender is introduced to the second compounder extruder zoneat least ¾ of the length of the barrel from the feed inlet of thebarrel.

Aspect 145 provides the method of any one of Aspects 141-144, whereinthe chain extender is introduced to the second compounder extruder zoneat least ¼ of the length of the barrel from the feed inlet of the barreland sufficiently far from an outlet of the barrel to provide mixing ofthe chain extender with the first compounded polyamide melt to form thesecond compounded polyamide melt.

Aspect 146 provides the method of any one of Aspects 137-145, whereinthe introducing of the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt in the second compounder extruder zone comprises introducing thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt after at least 50wt % of the maleated polyolefin fed has incorporated into thecondensation polyamide.

Aspect 147 provides the method of Aspect 146, wherein the incorporationinto the condensation polyamide comprises homogeneous blending (e.g., ona molecular level, or of domains of the maleated polyolefin or areaction product thereof).

Aspect 148 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-147, whereinthe incorporation into the condensation polyamide comprises formation ofa reaction product of the maleated polyolefin.

Aspect 149 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-148, whereinthe incorporation into the condensation polyamide comprises reaction ofthe maleated polyolefin with the condensation polyamide.

Aspect 150 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-149, whereinthe incorporation into the condensation polyamide comprises formation ofdomains of the maleated polyolefin or a reaction product thereof in thecondensation polyamide.

Aspect 151 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-150, whereinthe introducing of the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt in the second compounder extruder zone comprises introducing thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt after at least 60wt % of the maleated polyolefin has incorporated into the condensationpolyamide.

Aspect 152 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-151, whereinthe introducing of the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt in the second compounder extruder zone comprises introducing thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt after at least 70wt % of the maleated polyolefin has incorporated into the condensationpolyamide.

Aspect 153 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-152, whereinthe introducing of the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt in the second compounder extruder zone comprises introducing thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt after at least 80wt % of the maleated polyolefin has incorporated into the condensationpolyamide.

Aspect 154 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-153, whereinthe introducing of the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt in the second compounder extruder zone comprises introducing thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt after at least 90wt % of the maleated polyolefin has incorporated into the condensationpolyamide.

Aspect 155 provides the method of any one of Aspects 146-154, whereinthe introducing of the chain extender to the first compounded polyamidemelt in the second compounder extruder zone comprises introducing thechain extender to the first compounded polyamide melt after about 100 wt% of the maleated polyolefin has incorporated into the condensationpolyamide.

Aspect 156 provides the method of any one of Aspects 137-155, furthercomprising producing extrudate from the second compounded polyamidemelt.

Aspect 157 provides the method of any one of Aspects 137-156, furthercomprising producing a molded article from the second compoundedpolyamide melt.

Aspect 158 provides a method of extrusion of a polyamide resin, themethod comprising:

providing a polyamide resin comprising the composition of any one ofAspects 1-24, the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, thecompounded polyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or acombination thereof, to a feed zone of an extruder;

maintaining extruder barrel conditions sufficiently to obtain thepolyamide resin melt inside the extruder; and

producing extrudate from the extruder while optionally recovering vaporfrom the extruder via a vacuum draw.

Aspect 159 provides a method of molding of a polyamide resin, the methodcomprising:

providing a polyamide resin comprising the composition of any one ofAspects 1-24, the reacted composition of any one of Aspects 25-28, thecompounded polyamide composition of any one of Aspects 31-39, or acombination thereof, to a mold; and

producing a molded polyamide resin from the mold.

Aspect 160 provides the composition, reacted composition, compoundedcomposition, article, or reinforced conduit of any one or anycombination of Embodiments 1-159 optionally configured such that allelements or options recited are available to use or select from.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reinforced conduit comprising: an extrudedconduit comprising a condensation polyamide composition, a reactedcomposition that is a reaction product of the condensation polyamidecomposition, a compounded polyamide composition that comprises thecondensation polyamide composition, the reacted composition, or acombination thereof, and one or more other components, or a combinationthereof; and a metal reinforcement; wherein the condensation polyamidecomposition comprises a condensation polyamide, wherein the condensationpolyamide is at least 30 wt % of the composition, wherein thecondensation polyamide is the predominant polyamide in the composition,and from ≥10 wt % to ≤50 wt % of a maleated polyolefin, wherein themaleated polyolefin comprises maleic anhydride grafted onto a polyolefinbackbone, the maleated polyolefin having a grafted maleic anhydrideincorporation of ≥0.05 to ≤1.5 wt % based on total weight of themaleated polyolefin.
 2. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein theextruded conduit comprises the compounded polyamide composition, whereinthe one or more other components comprise a chain extender that is ≥0.05to ≤5 wt % of the compounded polyamide composition, and wherein thechain extender comprises a maleic anhydride-polyolefin.
 3. Thereinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein the condensation polyamide has anamine end group (AEG) number of ≥65 milliequivalents per kg (meq/kg) and≤130 meq/kg, wherein the condensation polyamide is chosen from nylon 66,nylon 66/6T, nylon 66/DI, and a combination thereof.
 4. The reinforcedconduit of claim 1, wherein: the maleated polyolefin, or domainsthereof, is/are uniformly distributed in the condensation polyamide orin the composition; or the condensation polyamide has an RV of at least35, as determined by the formic acid method of ASTM D789; or acombination thereof.
 5. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein theextruded conduit comprises the reacted polyamide composition, andwherein the reacted composition comprises a polyamide-polyolefincopolymer formed from at least partial reaction of the condensationpolyamide and the maleated polyolefin.
 6. The reinforced conduit ofclaim 1, wherein the extruded conduit comprises ≥1 wt % to ≤50 wt %glass fibers.
 7. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein the extrudedconduit is substantially free of glass fibers.
 8. The reinforced conduitof claim 1, wherein the metal reinforcement comprises steel, aluminum,beryllium, copper, an alloy thereof, or a combination thereof, andwherein the metal reinforcement including any protective coating thereoncomprising a hydrophobic and/or water-resistant material has a thicknessof 0.01 microns to 100 mm.
 9. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, whereinthe metal reinforcement comprises steel comprising carbon steel,stainless steel, austenitic steel, 304, 304L, 316, 316L, or acombination thereof.
 10. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein themetal reinforcement comprises a protective coating that reduces and/orprevents corrosion to the metal reinforcement, and wherein theprotective coating comprises a hydrophobic and/or water-resistantmaterial.
 11. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein the extrudedconduit has a wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 100 mm; the extruded conduithas an inside diameter of 1 mm to 1000 mm; the reinforced conduit has aninside diameter of 10 mm to 1000 mm; and the reinforced conduit has atotal conduit wall thickness of 1 mm to 200 mm.
 12. The reinforcedconduit of claim 1, wherein the extruded conduit contacts the metalreinforcement on an exterior of the extruded conduit, an interior of theextruded conduit, or a combination thereof.
 13. The reinforced conduitof claim 1, wherein the metal reinforcement is partially or fullyembedded within the extruded conduit.
 14. The reinforced conduit ofclaim 1, wherein the metal reinforcement comprises a sleeve, anunperforated solid sleeve, a perforated sleeve, a mesh sleeve, a braidedsleeve, a pipe, a ring, a mesh, a braid, a fiber strand, or acombination thereof.
 15. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein thereinforced conduit comprises more than one of the metal reinforcements;or the reinforced conduit comprises more than one of the extrudedconduits, wherein each extruded conduit has a composition that isindependently selected, wherein each extruded conduit is a differentlayer in the reinforced conduit; or a combination thereof.
 16. Thereinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein the reinforced conduit comprisestwo or more of the extruded conduits, and wherein two or more of theextruded conduits contact one another along their length.
 17. Thereinforced conduit of claim 1, wherein the reinforced conduit comprisestwo or more of the extruded conduits; the reinforced conduit issubstantially free of contact between two of the extruded conduits alongtheir length; and the metal reinforcement is present between andcontacts the two extruded conduits along their length.
 18. Thereinforced conduit of claim 1, comprising: an inner layer comprising theextruded conduit; a middle layer contacting the inner layer, the middlelayer comprising the metal reinforcement, wherein the metalreinforcement comprises a metal sleeve or pipe, a wound layer of metalfibers, a metal tape, or a combination thereof; and an outer layercontacting the middle layer, the outer layer comprising another one ofthe extruded conduit.
 19. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, comprising:an inner layer comprising the extruded conduit; and an outer layercontacting the inner layer, the outer layer comprising the metalreinforcement, the metal reinforcement comprising a metal pipe or metalsleeve.
 20. The reinforced conduit of claim 1, comprising: an innerlayer comprising the metal reinforcement, the metal reinforcementcomprising a metal pipe or metal sleeve; and an outer layer contactingthe inner layer, the outer layer comprising the extruded conduit.